On Sunday, Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United travel to Bloomfield Road to take on Ian Evatt’s League One Blackpool in the second round of the FA Cup.
In the previous round, Blackpool beat National League side Scunthorpe United 1-0 and Carlisle came from two goals down to beat League One side Reading 3-2 after extra time.
How Have Both Teams Been Performing?
Blackpool are winless in their last four games. Their last victory in all competitions was a 3-1 win at home against Cardiff City. They have lost to Tranmere in the EFL trophy, lost to Burton Albion Reading and drew with ten man Leyton Orient in League One.
Last time out Blackpool were beaten 4-2 at Harrogate in the EFL Trophy.
Carlisle United are unbeaten in their last eleven games, winning nine and drawing two of those. The Cumbrians’ last defeat came at home to Rochdale at the end of September but since then they have beaten Boston United twice, Reading in the cup, Scunthorpe, Southend, Hartlepool, Forest Green and Halifax, the two draws came against Yeovil and Eastleigh.
Last time out Mark Hughes’ side saw off a spirited Tamworth side at Brunton Park in a hard fought 2-1 victory.
In the last round Blackpool saw of National League side Scunthorpe 1-0 at Bloomfield Road meanwhile Carlisle United beat League One side Reading 3-2 after extra time.
Players To Watch
Ashley Fletcher
The 30-year-old striker is Blackpool’s main goal threat. The former Manchester United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough forward has lots of experience and will run all day for the team. His movement and ability to find space in the box will cause the Carlisle defenders some problems.
Fletcher has seven goals and two assists in all competitions in a struggling side so far this season.
George Honeyman
The 31-year-old attacking midfielder is one of the leaders in this Blackpool side. The former Sunderland, Hull and Millwall player is very experienced and will keep the League One side ticking with the ball. His ability to find the killer pass in the final third will be something the Cumbrians will have to look out for.
Honeyman has one goal and one assist so far this season but has been in and out of the side due to injury.
Tom Bloxham
The 22-year-old striker is another goal threat for Ian Evatt’s side. His link up with Fletcher and ability to hold the ball up and link the the play will be something Carlisle’s defence will have to keep close tabs on to nullify the Blackpool attack.
Bloxham has struggled so far this season but has two goals and one assist so far to his name in a struggling Blackpool side.
Oliver Casey
The 24-year-old defender has been a consistent performer in recent years for Blackpool and despite their poor form this season he’s been one of the better performers. His clearances and defensive blocks are one of the best in League One and he’s a threat from set pieces at the other end as well.
Casey could really be a difference maker in both boxes and potentially a match winner.
My Predicted Carlisle United Starting Eleven
Lewis, Davies, Feeney, Hayden, Harper, Macadam, Ellis, Conn-Clarke, Luamba, Linney, Kelly.
I think Mark Hughes will rotate in some areas for this game but he won’t want to rotate too much and change that winning formula. I can see one of Macadam or Gilliead getting a rest and maybe Davies coming in at right back and a rest for one of Williams or Luamba. Harry Lewis will play in goal as he’s started in the previous two cup games.
My Score Prediction
Blackpool 1-2 Carlisle United (AET)
I think this game maybe goes the distance, Blackpool’s poor form matched with Carlisle’s great form could be the recipe for a classic FA Cup upset. Carlisle beat a League One side to get here and there’s no reason it can’t be done again. The gap from the top of the National League to the bottom of League one has probably never been closer than it is right now.
I’m going 2-1 Carlisle United and another cup upset but I think we may need extra time to do it.
A Message From Paddock Perception
Thank you everyone for reading Paddock Perception, your support means everything! Please don’t forget you can follow Dan and Craig on X for more football content:
@dan_batemannn
@CraigWL1997
You can also watch Dan every week hosting on The National League Lowdown podcast on YouTube or you can listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
https://youtube.com/@nllowdown?si=ewflhDiWZvXGV_eR
https://open.spotify.com/show/0IfZPnOcMp5pnIYzMExQ1x?si=jZppV9jqQgq8pW3bBbjK1A
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/national-league-lowdown-the-football-deck/id1760793410
Paddock Perception 
Leave a comment