CITY BACK IN LEAGUE ACTION WITH A TRIP TO THE SEASIDERS
- Sam Hill
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
The Bluebirds return to League One action. Brian Barry-Murphy’s side now head to Bloomfield Road aiming to get back to winning ways against a rejuvenated Blackpool outfit led by new boss Ian Evatt.
The Opposition:
Blackpool enjoyed a steady 2024/25 campaign under Steve Bruce, finishing ninth in
League One, 11 points adrift of the play-offs. However, a poor start to this season,
just two wins from 11 saw Bruce dismissed on 4th October.
Club legend Ian Evatt took charge on 21st October with the Seasiders sitting 23rd.
He’s made an immediate impact, winning his first two games: a league win at
Peterborough and an FA Cup victory over Scunthorpe.
Evatt, who was linked with the Cardiff job in the summer, arrives with an impressive
record from Bolton, averaging 1.72 points per game across four and a half years. His
sides were known for an attractive, possession-based 3-1-4-2 system, a style similar
to Brian Barry-Murphy’s.
Evatt’s teams like to dominate the ball, build from the back and press aggressively.
The system relies on ball-playing centre-backs, energetic midfielders, and
adventurous wing-backs pushing high. However, that approach can leave them
exposed to high presses and quick counter-attacks, an area Cardiff could look to
exploit.
The Seasiders were active in the summer transfer window, bringing in 13 players
including Josh Bowler, George Honeyman and Michael Ihiekwe on free transfers,
and Jordan Brown from Leyton Orient. Their biggest outlay was over £1m on winger
Malcolm Ebiowei from Crystal Palace, who departed by mutual consent just five
weeks later.
The Bluebirds:
Brian Barry-Murphy’s young side have faced a mixed spell of form, winning five and
losing five of their last ten matches after going unbeaten in the Irishman’s first ten
games in charge.
Last time out, City suffered a narrow 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Peterborough in Luke
Williams’ first game as Posh boss. It was a below-par display from the Bluebirds,
who were punished by Harry Leonard’s close-range strike.
Barry-Murphy’s footballing philosophy is similar to that of Evatt’s, setting up what
should be a fascinating tactical contest. The City boss has praised his squad’s
resilience, often noting how they respond strongly to setbacks on the training pitch.
With both sides keen to dominate the ball and attack in numbers, an open and
entertaining encounter could be on the cards at Bloomfield Road.
Opposition Player to Watch:
Josh Bowler has been one of Blackpool’s main attacking threats in a struggling start
to the season. Now in his third spell at Bloomfield Road after joining from Nottingham
Forest, Bowler is a skilful, left-footed winger known for his dribbling and pace.
A product of QPR and Everton’s academies, he made his mark at Blackpool before
moving to Nottingham Forest, where he never featured in the Premier League and
had brief loan spells, including Olympiacos, Cardiff, Preston, and Luton.
Evatt has deployed Bowler in a slightly different role so far, in an advanced midfield
role within his 3-1-4-2 system, giving him more freedom to create and exploit spaces
through the centre, making him a key player for City to watch.
Last Meeting:
Blackpool 1-3 Cardiff City (2023)
Cardiff secured a vital 3-1 win at Bloomfield Road under Sabri Lamouchi, helping
ensure safety in the 2022/23 season.
Connor Wickham starred with a goal and an assist, while Sory Kaba and Joe Ralls
also netted for the Bluebirds.
Josh Bowler found a late consolation for Blackpool, who were submitted to relegation
from the Championship in 23rd that season, while City narrowly retained their status
at that level in 21st place.
Team News:
Cardiff City – Perry Ng, Chris Willock and Will Fish are unavailable for this game
through injury, while Ollie Tanner and Eli King remain out.
Blackpool - Danny Imray, James Husband, Hayden Coulson, George Honeyman,
Niall Ennis and Dale Taylor remain sidelined, while Albie Morgan and Michael
Ihiekwe remain doubts, despite their injuries being less serious than first thought. Lee Evans suspended for the hosts.
Preferred XI:
GK - Nathan Trott
RB - Ronan Kpakio
RCB - Calum Chambers
LCB – Dylan Lawlor
LB - Joel Bagan
CDM - Ryan Wintle
CDM – Alex Robertson
CAM - Rubin Colwill
RW - Omari Kellyman
LW - Isaak Davies
ST – Yousef Salech
Score Prediction:
Blackpool 1-3 Cardiff City
Cardiff should enjoy this one, as Evatt’s attacking approach leaves gaps at the back
that Rubin Colwill and co. can exploit. Blackpool have found early form under their
new manager but remain 23rd in the table, four points off safety. Cardiff’s quality
should be enough to secure a much-needed league win at Bloomfield Road.
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