'They’re arguably the best footballing team in the division': Neil Critchley looks ahead to Blackpool's trip to MK Dons

The Seasiders head to Buckinghamshire on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against lowly AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

MK Dons who suffered a third defeat in their last four games on Saturday against struggling Wigan Athletic, sit three points behind Blackpool in the league table but have played four games more.

When it comes to possession of the ball and playing in a style that is pleasing on the eye, Critchley believes Russell Martin’s side are unrivalled.

“I think MK Dons typify a lot of teams in this division,” Pool’s head coach said.

“There’s no doubting their quality, they’re arguably the best footballing team in terms of possession.

“I said prior to the Ipswich away game that it’s only a matter of time until they turn around their poor form because of the quality of players they’ve got.

“They beat us, they lost to Peterborough, but then they went on a little run and now they’re higher in the table.

“You look at MK Dons’ team and you think, at some point, their form will turn around and they will start winning games again.

“We just hope that’s not on Tuesday night.”

After back-to-back home draws, Critchley’s men will be seeking to get back to winning ways in their bid to close the gap to the League One play-offs.

On both occasions the Seasiders were pegged back late on, conceding a costly leveller in the third minute of stoppage time on Saturday against Wimbledon.

“We haven’t drawn many games this season because it’s not in our nature,” Critchley said.

“We don’t want to draw games and settle for points whether we’re at home or away.

“When you’re 1-0 up, 2-1 up or 3-2 up, if there’s only one goal in it you know at some point you’re going to have to defend a lead. In the last two games we’ve not been able to do that. Ideally you go and score a second goal and we make it more comfortable for ourselves.

“Our intention is to go and win the game and take the game to the opposition but you know circumstances in a game can change that.

“You’re playing against good players, they can change formation, personnel and go for it. At some point you’re going to have to defend a lead.

“We’ve not been able to do that in the last two games, which is disappointing.”

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