Blackpool vs Charlton Predictions

Blackpool would’ve been hoping to regain the winning thread when they visited non-league Solihull Moors in the FA Cup last Friday, though the Seasiders were unable to get their heads in front, as they drew 0-0. Now back on their own patch, Terry McPhillips men will be keen to resume winning ways.

The Seasiders have come through some tough tests of late, which is just as well, because life doesn’t get any easier this Saturday, as they welcome Charlton, who’re currently three points above them in the table, to Bloomfield Road.

Fortunately, Blackpool have looked very strong on their own patch this season, especially in the final third. They’ve retained a lot of their defensive strength from last season, but have managed to add more going forward, which has allowed the Seasiders to emerge as play-off contenders. McPhillips’ men scored a respectable 15 goals in ten home matches, but if we look at the underlying numbers, then we can see that such a total doesn’t do Saturday’s hosts justice. Blackpool are currently averaging a very pleasing 1.83 expected goals for at Bloomfield Road.

Charlton can also offer plenty going forward on their day, though they’ve tended to do most of their best attacking work in front of their own fans. On the road, Lee Bowyer’s men have scored plenty of goals, but they’ve often been aided by going up against weak defence, while they’re underlying numbers aren’t too pleasing. The Addicks are averaging just 1.37 expected goals for away from home. They’re conceding 1.54 at the other end.

Bowyer’s men were a tad fortunate to win away at Burton in their most recent league match, though if they defend as they did on that occasion at Bloomfield Road on Saturday, then they’re in for a shock, as Blackpool will be far less forgiving than the Brewers were. Incidentally, Blackpool trounced Burton by three goals to nil when last in action at this venue.

Overall, there’s more to like about Blackpool. Not only that, but at the current prices, they look a good bet. The Seasiders have only lost twice at home this season, while their performances have rarely been poor. With an average expected goal difference of +0.53 in front of their own fans, compared to Charlton’s of -0.17 on the road, Terry McPhillips’ men are backed to come out on top.