Blackpool will look to avoid a third consecutive defeat in the Championship when they welcome Middlesbrough to Bloomfield Road on Tuesday.

The visitors, meanwhile, will attempt to record their second victory under Michael Carrick in what will be his fourth game in charge.

Match preview

Blackpool will head into Tuesday's game in 18th place, with two points separating them from the relegation zone following consecutive defeats.

After being beaten 1-0 by West Bromwich Albion, the Tangerines were edged out by the same scoreline when they played host to Luton Town at the weekend.

Although they only lost by a slender margin on Saturday, only two sides have conceded more Championship goals than Blackpool this season.

Luke Berry's winner for Luton Town also ensured that the Tangerines have failed to keep a home clean sheet in the league since the opening weekend of the season.

Despite losing their last two matches, Blackpool can take inspiration from the fact that two of their three home victories this season have taken place in their previous four home games.

After taking four points from their previous two matches, Middlesbrough will be looking to make it three games without defeat on Tuesday

Following his appointment as Boro boss, Carrick began his tenure with a defeat to Preston North End, but his side bounced back in their next game to secure a 3-1 victory over Hull City.

Carrick took charge of his first home match on Saturday where a Chuba Akpom equaliser ensured that the contest with Bristol City ended in a 1-1 draw.

While the Middlesbrough manager will be encouraged by recent results, his side currently occupy 20th position and are only one point above the bottom three.

The visitors have won two of their last three away games and they would move above their opponents with another victory on Tuesday.

Team News

Blackpool are unable to call upon Liam Bridcutt and Lewis Fiorini due to groin and hamstring injuries, while Jordan Gabriel, Kevin Stewart and Jake Beesley are also sidelined.

Appleton will be without key defenders with Callum Connolly suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards, while Jordan Thorniley has a concussion.

With Connolly and Thorniley set to miss out, Appleton will be forced into a defensive reshuffled, which could result in Callum Wright and Rhys Williams being presented with starting berths.

As for the visitors, Duncan Watmore is still expected to be unavailable after missing the last three games through injury.

Although Middlesbrough had to settle for a point at the weekend, Carrick could opt for continuity and name an unchanged lineup.

After scoring the equaliser against Bristol City, Akpom will have the chance to score in a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Maxwell; Wright, Ekpiteta, Williams, Husband; Patino, Dougall, Ward; Yates, Hamilton, Madine

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles; Howson, Hackney; Jones, Akpom, McGree; Forss

We say: Blackpool 1-2 Middlesbrough

After winning two of their last three away games, we think that Middlesbrough will have the confidence to claim a narrow victory over Blackpool.

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