After a six-year absence, the Seasiders will once again line up in the second tier of English football after clinching promotion via the League One play-offs back in May.
Neil Critchley’s men get the 2021/22 campaign underway at Ashton Gate against Nigel Pearson’s Bristol City.
But how are they likely to line-up?
Daniel Gretarsson and Gary Madine are making good progress on their return from surgery, but this weekend is likely to come too soon.
Elsewhere, midfielder Matty Virtue is a longer-term absence after injuring his ACL.
Kenny Dougall is also back in training, but will he be thrust straight back into the starting XI having had little to no game time in pre-season?
Kevin Stewart and Demetri Mitchell must be considered doubts, too, having recently suffered knocks in Blackpool’s pre-season friendlies.
Here’s our predicted line-up:
7. CM - Grant Ward
Stepped up majorly in this role last season when others were absent and will have to do it again at the start of this campaign. A tireless worker who covers every blade of grass.
8. RW - Josh Bowler
Could the summer recruit make his competitive debut? If Demetri Mitchell is unavailable, the chances are high. The ex-Everton man was a threat against Man City on Tuesday, although his end product needs working on.
9. CAM - Keshi Anderson
Capable of playing as a central midfielder or across the forward line, but likely to start in a central attacking midfielder’s role at Ashton Gate. Sonny Carey can also play in this position, but Anderson is likely to get the nod.
10. LW - CJ Hamilton
Has played on the left flank more than the right in pre-season, but will probably swap and change throughout the course of the match. Can only move up alongside Yates if required.
11. ST - Jerry Yates
If he’s fit, he starts. That’s not just the case for this weekend, that will probably apply for every league game this season.
12. SUBS
Stuart Moore, Marvin Ekpiteta, Oliver Casey, Cameron Antwi, Sonny Carey, Shayne Lavery, Tyreece John-Jules