Blackpool play their second pre-season friendly when they face Premier League oposition, with the Tangerines set to take on Leeds United at a neutral venue on Thursday.
The friendly contest that will take place at the LNER Community Stadium represents the opening game of pre-season for Leeds, who will fly off to Australia after facing the Tangerines.
Following exit as Blackpool manager, the Tangerines appointed Michael Appleton who left his role as Lincoln boss at the end of last season.
Appleton has made a return to Bllomfiel Road for a second stint as Blackpool manager after spending a short spell with the club in the 2021-22 season.
Blackpool began their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 victory over National League North side Southport on Friday, but they are to face a tougher test on Thursday when the play Leeds United.
While Ethan Robson has joined MK Dons on a free transfer, the Tangerines are still yet to make a signing ahead of the season, but they still possess the likes of Gary Madine, Jerry Yates and Shayne Lavery who scored 25 league goals amongst them last season.
Meanwhile, Jesse Marsch is preparing for his first full season as Leeds manager after his appointment as Marcelo Bielsa’s successor at the end of February.
Leeds secured their Premier League survival with a final-day victory over Brentford, ensuring they will participate in the top flight for a third successive season.
Kalvin Phillips joined Manchester City with Raphinha likely to also exit, but Leeds have made new additions, with Branden Aaronson, Darko Gyabi, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen all arriving at Elland Road this summer.
At least a couple of the new additions could be involved on Thursday before they fly to Australia with the rest of the Leeds squad for friendlies against Brisbane Roar, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
Blackpool vs Leeds United head to head
The two teams have previously met on 34 occasions across all competitions, where Blackpool have claimed 12 victories while Leeds have won 13, and they have drawn in nine. Blackpool have scored 57 goals and conceded 58. In their last five meetings, Leeds have won three while they have drawn twice.
Leeds United 2-0 Blackpool 20/02/13
Blackpool 1-1 Leeds United 26/12/13
Leeds United 2-0 Blackpool 12/04/14
Leeds United 3-1 Blackpool 08/11/14
Blackpool 1-1 Leeds United 21/03/15
Blackpool latest home form
Blackpool have recently failed to keep a good run of form at home, having won just two of their five most recent matches. They lost 2-0 to Derby County in their last home game in the Championship. In their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded seven.
Blackpool 1-0 Swansea City 12/03/22
Blackpool 0-0 Sheffield United 16/03/22
Blackpool 1-4 Nottingham Forest 02/04/22
Blackpool 6-1 Birmingham City 18/04/22
Blackpool 0-2 Derby County 30/04/22
Blackpool latest away form
Blackpool have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just two of their seven most recent matches. They managed to defeat Southport 2-0 in their last away game in a friendly. In their last five matches, they have scored six goals and conceded eight.
West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Blackpool 15/04/22
Luton Town 1-1 Blackpool 23/04/22
Barnsley 0-2 Blackpool 26/04/22
Peterborough United 5-0 Blackpool 07/05/22
Southport 0-2 Blackpool 02/07/22
Leeds United latest home form
Leeds have recently failed to keep a good run of form at home, having won just one of their five most recent matches. They drew 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion in their last home game in the Premier League. In their last five matches, they have scored four goals and conceded 10.
Leeds United 2-1 Norwich City 13/03/22
Leeds United 1-1 Southampton 02/04/22
Leeds United 0-4 Manchester City 30/04/22
Leeds United 0-3 Chelsea 11/05/22
Leeds United 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion 15/05/22
Leeds United latest away form
Leeds have recently been on a relatively good run of form on the road, having lost just one of their five most recent matches. They defeated Brentford 2-1 in their last away game in the Premier League. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and conceded five.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Leeds United 18/03/22
Watford 0-3 Leeds United 09/04/22
Crystal Palace 0-0 Leeds United 25/04/22
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds United 08/05/22
Brentford 1-2 Leeds United 22/05/22
Blackpool news
Appleton played an entirely different lineup for each half of Saturday’s encounter with Stockport, and he could utilise that strategy once again.
Kenneth Dougall and Marvin Ekpiteta could feature in the starting XI after playing in the second half against Southport, with CJ Hamilton, Josh Bowler and Yates playing as the front three.
Leeds United news
Leeds could also utilise two different lineups for each half on Thursday, with Marsch looking to give most of the players some minutes ahead of the trip to Australia.
The players who featured for their countries in June are not expected to play here, while Roca could make his first appearance for the club.
Prediction and Odds
Being their first pre-season friendly, Leeds may need a little time to get to speed, but we think their Premier League quality will eventually shine through.
Blackpool will feel confident following their friendly win last time out, but we feel that the Peacocks will have enough to come away with a victory.
Odds: 1 2.32 X 2.10 2 1.90
Probable outcomes
Blackpool 0-1 Leeds United
Blackpool 0-2 Leeds United
Blackpool 1-2 Leeds United
Blackpool 1-3 Leeds United
Blackpool 1-1 Leeds United
