Key Highlights
- Blackpool currently sit 17th in League One with 33 points.
- Ian Evatt took over as manager in October and improved the team’s form.
- Ashley Fletcher is Blackpool’s top scorer this season, with 13 goals from 28 games.
- Oliver Casey has made 28 league starts for Blackpool this season.
- Argyle will wear their black away kit for the match at Bloomfield Road.
The Manager’s Return
Ian Evatt, a familiar face to many Blackpool fans, has returned to the club as manager in October. His playing career was full of memorable moments with the Seasiders, and his coaching journey has seen him take on multiple roles before returning home. Evatt’s first season at Blackpool has been challenging but he showed promise early on by leading the team to a series of wins including victories over Wigan Athletic, Doncaster Rovers, and Rotherham United.
However, in 2026, things haven’t gone as smoothly as expected.
Blackpool have managed only one win and one draw from their last six games, with five defeats. The team’s recent performance has been a stark contrast to the festive run of victories they enjoyed earlier in the season.
The Squad Dynamics
Blackpool’s leading goalscorer is Ashley Fletcher, who has 13 goals this season from 28 games. His previous stint at Blackpool, where he scored 11 goals last season to win Player of the Year status, has been a significant part of his rise as one of the team’s key players.
Defender Oliver Casey has been a consistent presence in the backline with 28 starts this season. His experience from hometown club Leeds United and previous loan spells will be crucial for Blackpool to face Argyle at Bloomfield Road.
The Historical Rivalry
This is not the first meeting between these two teams, as earlier in the season, Argyle secured a 1-0 victory over Blackpool. Malachi Boateng scored the only goal that day, making it his first for the Pilgrims.
Argyle will be wearing their black away kit for this fixture at Bloomfield Road, and fans can look forward to an exciting clash between two familiar teams in the Sky Bet League One.
You might think this is a regular match preview, but there’s more here. These teams have a rich history of rivalry and shared memories, making every encounter a special event for supporters on both sides.
Will Ian Evatt’s return pay off? Only time will tell as Blackpool face a tough test against their old rivals.
