Neil Critchley likely to freshen up his Blackpool side for final EFL Trophy group game against Leeds United's Under-21s

The Seasiders know a win will secure qualification through to the knockout stages having drawn their opening two group games against Barrow and Accrington Stanley.

While Pool are likely to make changes, they’re a little limited to what they can do having been without eight players for a second game running during yesterday’s FA Cup first round win against Eastbourne Borough.

When asked by The Gazette if he’s likely to freshen things up for Wednesday night’s game, Critchley said: “I would have thought so, but we can’t make wholesale changes because we haven’t got the luxury of having too many fit and available bodies.

“We’ll look at the squad and we’ll pick what we feel is the right team to attack that game because it’s another competition I want to do well in.

“I want to win and get through to the next round on Wednesday.”

Ethan Robson will be back available having served his three-match suspension. While Dan Ballard’s ban has also ended, the defender is now away on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Ben Woodburn could come back into contention having completed his period of self-isolation following his positive Covid-19 test.

Luke Garbutt, Keshi Anderson and Oliver Sarkic are all closing in on a return, but Matty Virtue and MJ Williams remain sidelined.

While it’s inevitable Pool will make changes, with a number of fringe players likely to be given a runout, Critchley is still keen to continue Blackpool’s good form following four wins in their last five games.

“There’s a bit of momentum building and we have Leeds in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday night which we want to win, because we want to qualify for the next round,” he added.

“Then we have a little break before some tough games in the league. We should have some more players back for the Peterborough game in a few weeks and the suspended lads will now be free to play.

“Ben Woodburn will be back available and we’re hopeful one or two of the injured boys we’ve had out for a few weeks will be fit and available so I’ll have a few selection problems.”