Blackpool v Bristol Rovers
Sky Bet League One, Bloomfield Road, Saturday 2 May, 3:00pm KO
Bristol Rovers will conclude the 2024/25 Sky Bet League One season with a trip to Blackpool on Saturday.
The Gas will be looking to end the campaign on a positive note after it was confirmed that they would be playing in League Two, with Rovers four points below Burton Albion with only one fixture remaining.
The Pirates are winless in their last nine outings since beating Bolton Wanderers in a 3-2 thriller at The Memorial Stadium in March, last falling to a 2-0 defeat to Reading last weekend.
Blackpool lost 2-0 to league winners Birmingham City on Wednesday night, with Ethan Laird and Alfie May scoring either side of half-time.
Tickets...
Fans can purchase tickets on the day of the fixture at Bloomfield Road by card only.
Travel...
By car, start on the M4 motorway heading west out of Bristol. Continue on the M4 and merge onto the M6 motorway northbound toward Birmingham. Stay on the M6 for approximately 115 miles, then take junction 32 for the M55 motorway toward Blackpool. Follow the M55 (signposted Blackpool) for about 8 miles, then take exit 4 for Blackpool North/Blackpool Central. Follow signs for Blackpool town centre and Bloomfield Road stadium, located west of the town centre.
By car, the nearest train station is Blackpool South, with a walk to the stadium taking approximately 13 minutes.
Opposition...
Blackpool can match their eighth-placed finish from last season with a victory over Rovers, with the Tangerines three points behind Bolton with a significantly better goal difference.
However, they have only been victorious in one of their past five matches, beating Stevenage 3-1 on their travels. It has been a season of ups and downs for the Seasiders, who were in the drop zone after opening four fixtures before Steve Bruce led a turnaround. He became Blackpool’s first manager to win his first four league fixtures in charge of the club.
Early success was then greeted by a spell of eight matches without a triumph. However, the Tangerines have been consistent ever since to steer themselves well away from the bottom four without seriously challenging for a playoff spot.
Previous Meetings...
Rovers have a torrid record against Blackpool and have lost their last four matches against their upcoming opponents. The Tangerines ended the Gas’ four game unbeaten streak with a 2-0 victory at The Mem earlier this term, with Bryant Bilongo netting an own goal before Lee Evans doubled their lead from the penalty spot.
However, before their losing streak against the Seasiders, Rovers had only lost one of their last seven against Blackpool. The Pirates’ previous victory at Bloomfield Road came in November 2018, with Ollie Clarke netting a brace and Tony Craig scoring in a 3-0 win.
Officials...
Referee: Benjamin Speedie
Assistant Referees: Danny Jarvis and Lewis Raper
Fourth Official: Declan Brown
