Preview

 

Sports Mole previews Friday's Pre-Season Friendlies clash between Squires Gate and Blackpool, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Blackpool get their pre-season campaign underway with a visit to non-league outfit Squires Gate on Friday evening.

The Seasiders are competing in their first fixture since earning promotion to the Championship with victory over Lincoln City in the League One playoff final.

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Match preview

After a condensed season was extended due to the playoffs, Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has been left with less time to prepare his squad for a return to the second tier.

Nevertheless, everyone associated with the Tangerines are eager to get up and running again ahead of their league opener against Bristol City on August 7.

While members of the promotion-winning squad have either departed or returned to their parent club, Critchley has responded by making some astute additions.

Three of the fresh faces - Josh Bowler, Callum Connolly and Shayne Lavery - have Everton connections, while Daniel Grimshaw, Reece James and Oliver Casey started their careers at Manchester City, Manchester United and Leeds United respectively.

A theme has emerged with Critchley using his knowledge of the Under-18s and Under-23s scene to his advantage, and he will now hope that all six players can live up to their potential.

As far as Squires Gate are concerned, this is another opportunity to play host to one of the bigger clubs in the area, having faced AFC Fylde earlier this week.

The Blues, who play their football in the North West Counties Football League, succumbed to a 4-0 scoreline as their higher-class opponents fielded their first team.

However, Critchley will not select a strong Blackpool XI for this contest, giving Squires Gate a chance to get another pre-season win on the board after already getting the better of Bury AFC and Poulton Gate.

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Team News

With Blackpool scheduled to face Southport a day later, the club are expected to field a second-string team for this fixture.

Third-choice goalkeeper Stuart Moore could be named between the sticks, while Sonny Carey is the most likely of the new arrivals to be named in the starting lineup after his switch from Kings Lynn Town.

Cameron Antwi, a former member of Fulham's youth setup, is an option in midfield, and Wales Under-18s international Luke Mariette should be provided with an opportunity to make an impression.

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We say: Squires Gate 0-5 Blackpool

Regardless of the side put out by Blackpool, Squires Gate will take pride in welcoming the second-tier club.

Nevertheless, we expect a one-sided match with several fringe players keen to impress ahead of the new season.

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