Saints look to extend their 32 year unbeaten record at Bloomfield Road
Saints travel up to Lancashire looking to cut back the seven point gap between themselves and the Seasiders and keep their 32 year unbeaten record intact, in truth since that 1-0 defeat in May 1977 Saints have only played at Bloomfield Road twice, the first time seven months later when they recorded a 1-0 win in the following season and the second just over twelve months ago when a 2-2 draw proved vital.
Three St Mary's old boys await them, Stephen Crainey had a brief spell at the club, Jermaine Wright was never the most popular man but did make a positive contribution from time to time whilst Brett Ormerod seemed to be always the bridesmaid never the bride, usually the second fiddle striker his contribution to Saints should never be overlooked, most will remember his goal and display against Watford in the FA Cup semi six years ago, but in truth he contributed much more than that and should get a warm welcome from the travelling support, of the three Wright hasnt played since August so is obviously injured.
A fourth ex Saint Adam Hammill played for Blackpool earlier in the season, but returned to Anfield in December subsequently joining Barnsley on loan.
Truth is this is a game that Saints cant afford to lose, many would say even a draw isnt enough, but fact is Saints have to fight and scrape for every point and come the end of the season one point could be the difference, with that in mind Saints have to concentrate on their own games and getting those points and not on what happens elsewhere.
After the three wins in a row it clearly took it out of the squad, with injuries it has meant that we have had a settled side and they have looked tired, hopefully a full week off will have done them the world of good.
For their part Blackpool could be in a jittery time, they know they are on the verge of safety, a win against Saints would virtually guarantee safety, however a defeat would still leave them looking over their shoulders a little, with that in mind it could be a good time to meet them, after our three game winning streak we were right behind them, but whilst in the following three games we only gained two points, the Tangerines have won two and drawn one to pull seven points clear of us, as good a run as they have had all season and following a dodgy run of half a dozen games or so, the message being that their form is a little up and down, have they just had an up and due a down is the question on Saints fans lips.
Its not going to be an easy game though, but Saints have shown they have the bottle to come good when the going is tough and due to dropped home points need to do so again, if they can they will start to worry the teams above them who must surely be wondering how they can throw Saints off.