We look ahead to two important games at the wrong end of League One. Although it may be a little early in the season to term these matches as “relegation six pointers” they are certainly crucial games!
Barnsley VS Fleetwood
Having lost their last four games, Lee Johnson‘s Barnsley are rapidly slipping down the League One table.
Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Walsall left The Tykes nervously looking over their shoulders in 19th place.
New boss Steven Pressley masterminded Fleetwood’s first league win in eight games when he guided the Cod Army to an unexpected 4-0 victory against promotion contenders Burton Albion last weekend.
However, Cod Army are still firmly placed in the League One drop zone and sit in 22nd place.
The home side continue to be without captain Conor Hourihane, striker Marley Watkins and goalkeeper Adam Davies who are all nursing injuries.
Barnsley’s Ben Pearson is also unavailable due to suspension after the midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season against Walsall.
As for Fleetwood, Richard Wood will play the final game of his loan spell before he returns to his parent club Rotherham United.
Nathan Pond continues to be unavailable, however Victor Nirennold could return from injury
Blackpool VS Crewe
After failing to win any of their first seven league games, Neil McDonald’s Blackpool have undergone something of a revival in recent weeks.
The Tangerines are unbeaten in their last five games and seem to be growing in confidence with each game.
Despite this upturn in form, Blackpool are still suffering from their dreadful start to the campaign and find themselves just inside the relegation zone in 21st place.
Crewe are currently the league’s lowest placed team and have only two wins to their name all season.
Steve Davis‘s side are already four points away from safety and must hit form soon to avoid losing touch with the sides around them.
McDonald has said that it will be “touch and go” as to whether Northern Irish striker Martin Paterson will be able to shake off a hamstring injury in time to play.
Meanwhile, Emerson Boyce is expected to return to the fold for Blackpool after the defender missed the draw with Millwall.
Crewe hope to welcome back forward Lauri Dalla Valle and left-back Stephen Kingsley from injury.
Whilst Jamie Jones may be fit enough to start after the midfielder came of the bench in Tuesday’s draw at Burton.
