Blackpool just took their first L of the season, dropping a 2-1 road game to Barnsley earlier this week. After what looked like a scorching hot start, sitting third in League One with seven points from a possible twelve, that first loss hits different. They were rolling, picking up big wins against Stockport County and Peterborough United, plus a draw with Wycombe Wanderers. But now? The vibe might just be shifting.
Evatt’s Ambitions Hit a Bump, Roster Gets a Shake-Up
Head Coach Ian Evatt, who took over last October, is definitely looking for his side to challenge for promotion this season. And why wouldn’t he? The guy’s got a history of getting teams up the ladder, like guiding Barrow back to the Football League in 2019/20 and leading Bolton Wanderers to automatic promotion into League One in his first year there. He loves that attacking, direct style, which we’ve seen on display during their strong opening run.
The summer transfer window saw Blackpool make some serious moves, bringing in eight new faces to bolster the squad. We’re talking four permanent signings: goalkeeper Luke Southwood from Bristol Rovers, defenders Ilmari Niskanen from Exeter City and Josh Earl from Barnsley, and midfielder Karoy Anderson, who made his loan switch from Charlton Athletic permanent. Then there are the four loan additions: defenders Jordan Williams from Portsmouth and Finley Munroe from Middlesbrough, and strikers Dion Charles from Huddersfield Town and former Tangerine favorite Jerry Yates from Luton Town. They’re clearly trying to build something here, but that Barnsley result has to make you wonder if all those new pieces are fully gelled yet. Plus, with Fraser Horsfall, Michael Ihiekwe, Hayden Coulson, Jordan Brown, Niall Ennis, and Dale Taylor all likely out this weekend, they’re going to be tested big time.
Bowler Is Key: Can Blackpool Bounce Back This Weekend?
So, what’s the plan for this weekend? Evatt’s expected setup is a 4-2-3-1, aiming for that direct, attacking football he loves. The likely lineup features Peacock-Farrell in goal, a back line of Williams, Casey, Earl, and Munroe, with Morgan and Anderson in the middle. Up top, we’re looking at Bowler, Honeyman, and Yates supporting Charles. The big name to watch, though, is winger Josh Bowler. He re-signed last summer after leaving Nottingham Forest, and he’s the kind of player who can spark something.
The two sides split results last season, with Blackpool grabbing a 0-3 away win in November 2025 but then losing 0-1 at home on the last day. They’re facing a crucial moment right now. Can Bowler and the rest of the squad, despite the injury woes, shake off that first defeat and keep their early promotion hopes alive? This weekend’s game isn’t just another fixture; it’s a test of their mental toughness after a gut-punch loss.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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