Blackpool V Derby at Bloomfield Road : Match Preview

26 April 2013 12:01
Blackpool V Derby - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Osbourne back for Blackpool

Blackpool welcome back Isaiah Osbourne from suspension as they host Derby.

The midfielder sat out the Seasiders' last three games after receiving a red card in the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest but returns as the club search for a win that would secure safety.

Striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher has been cleared to play after he was forced off at Brighton at the weekend after clashing heads with Seagulls goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

Paul Ince wants to see his players put last weekend's heavy 6-1 defeat behind them with a win.

He told the club's official website: "We've got to get back to picking up points and if we pick all three then it's job done and that's how I look at it.

"We're back at home and I want a response and a reaction, not just for me, but for the fans as well."

Frank Fielding will miss Derby's final away game of the season through suspension.

Fielding was sent off after bringing down Peterborough striker Dwight Gayle during the Rams' 3-1 home win over Posh last weekend and he will serve a one-match ban.

Adam Legzdins will return between the posts for what will be his first start since losing his place to Fielding at the beginning of March.

Leading scorer Jamie Ward (hamstring) and key midfielder Craig Bryson (groin) will continue to be patched up.

The duo have been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks but manager Nigel Clough wants to select his strongest possible team for the remaining two fixtures.

He said: "We have only got two games to go and we want to win both of them. Therefore, we will get the best team out on that pitch. Jamie Ward and Craig Bryson are very important players for us."

Elsewhere, teenage midfielder Will Hughes stepped up his comeback from a groin injury with 45 minutes for the Under-21 side on Monday afternoon.

Hughes, who turned 18 last week, made his long-awaited return after two months out as a late substitute against Peterborough and he will be included in the squad that travels to Bloomfield Road.

Source: PA