Sheffield Wednesday host Blackpool on the back of a draw at home against Cambridge United midweek. At the time of writing, Matt Hamshaw was still in temporary charge of the Owls, with Dave Challinor still favourite.

The Owls showed signs of improvement against the U’s, but still weren’t able to claim all three points.

Next up is Blackpool. The Tangerines are 20th, one point above the drop zone but having played a game more than three of the four teams in there. While on paper, Sheffield Wednesday should make light work of their visitors, the Owls have struggled against teams near the bottom in recent weeks.

We have a look at Blackpool’s last five results, last starting lineup, and key players.

Blackpool’s Last Five Games

Last time out in the league, Blackpool were beaten 4-1 by Mansfield Town. Former Owl Michael Smith was on the scoresheet in that game.

Blackpool’s last five League One games:

• Blackpool 1-4 Mansfield
• Blackpool 2-0 MK Dons
• Leyton Orient 2-0 Blackpool
• Cambridge United 1-0 Blackpool
• Wigan Athletic 3-2 Blackpool.

Last Starting 11

Last time out, Blackpool lined up in a 4-1-3-2 according to Sofascore. The team picked up an average rating of 6.29 in the game against Mansfield.

Peacock-Farrell; Williams, Casey, Ashworth, Niskanen (Munroe, 75); Morgan (Brown, 79); Bowler, Anderson, Clarkson; Charles (Bloxham, 66), Taylor (Yates, 66).

Manager Ian Evatt didn’t use Luke Southwood, Andy Lyons, or Hayden Coulson in that game.

Blackpool Injury News

Fraser Horsfall returned midweek against Aston Villa’s U21s in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy. Evatt told the Blackpool Gazette:

“He’s only trained two days. Mid-season, it’s hard to get the games in for him. We have to try and get him fit in these types of games and also his training load.

“It’s great to have him back. Obviously there’s going to be ring rust; he’s been out for six months.

“He’ll get there quick. Just having him around, having him available, is a big influence for the rest of the team.”

He might feature in the squad, but a start appears to be unlikely given he’s just returned from a long injury.

Speaking after his side’s game against Villa’s youngster, he also shared that forward Niall Ennis is “close” to returning.

Who Sheffield Wednesday Need to Watch Out for

Despite their poor league position, the Seasiders have several players capable of causing the Owls some issues on Sunday.

Top Performer

Blackpool’s top performer according to Sofascore is a name Wednesday fans will be familiar with, Bailey Peacock-Farrell. The one-time Owl loanee has an average Sofascore rating of 7.25 so far this season.

The 30-year-old has conceded 1.8 goals per game and made 4.5 saves per game. In the league, he has prevented 2.17 goals.

Goal Threats

Five players are tied as Blackpool’s top scorers in League One. Josh Bowler, Dion Charles, Tom Bloxham, Karoy Anderson, and Jerry Yates all have two.

Wednesday fans will remember the latter fondly from last season. Yates joined on loan and had a positive impact, with rumours suggesting he would rejoin this summer, but that never materialised.

Creative Spark

Bowler and Charles also shared the top spot for assists. The pair have two assists this season and are players the Owls will need to watch whenever they get the ball.

Interestingly, Peacock-Farrell is joint-second with one assist in the league this season.