Blackpool head to Sincil Bank with midfield options boosted, but without one of their manager’s standout performers.
When the Seasiders arrive to face the Imps, they will do so with more options in the centre of the park than they have had for much of the season. Deadline Day additions Karoy Anderson and Leighton Clarkson have quickly become regular starters, operating alongside Jordan Brown, while George Honeyman returned from injury last weekend and made an immediate impact with a goal off the bench in the 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers.
Joel Randall is also back in training following a hamstring problem and is expected to come back into contention, further strengthening Ian Evatt’s hand. Ryan Finnigan is still out but nearing a return next month. The only midfielder definitively ruled out for the remainder of the campaign is Albie Morgan, who has undergone ankle surgery.
Evatt made clear just how significant that loss is.
“Obviously Albie being out is huge because I think he’s one of the best in the league – genuinely. I haven’t had him really for very long, so we’re missing him.”
Even so, the Blackpool manager believes he now has the flexibility to tailor his midfield to the specific demands of each opponent. Against Bolton, that meant holding firm for an hour before injecting energy and intensity from the bench.
“The plan all along was to contain for 60 minutes, and then open the game up late on with some fresh legs.
“We knew the players who could come off the bench couldn’t necessarily start. George Honeyman wasn’t ready to start, but could give us half an hour and real intensity. He was the catalyst of providing that energy for the rest of the lads to feed off.”
With Randall available again and Josh Bowler another option capable of drifting centrally, Evatt feels his side are better equipped to break down opponents who sit deep, something Lincoln have shown they can do effectively at home.
“The midfield area is stocked now. We’ve got lads like Josh (Bowler) and Joel Randall who can unlock doors against teams who have a bit of a block.
“It’s now about choosing the right option for the right opponent, and it’s a challenging game on Saturday to do that.”
For the Imps, that means preparing for a Blackpool side with tactical flexibility and genuine competition for places in midfield. Morgan’s absence removes a player Evatt rates among the division’s best, but the Seasiders’ depth has improved at a crucial stage of the season.
How Evatt balances energy, control and creativity at the Bank could go a long way to shaping Saturday’s contest.