Skybet League two Playoff Final, Wembley, London 3pm
Blackpool and Exeter will compete at Wembley in the final match of the League Two season for a place in England’s third tier.
The semi-finals could not have been more exciting; both ties finishing 6-5 on aggregate in enthralling contests to reach the final.
The Grecians made it to Wembley courtesy of Jack Stacey’s dramatic 95th minute winner to break Carlisle hearts.
Astoundingly, Blackpool also benefitted from a remarkable 95th minute injury time winner – the ball unfortunately rebounding off Luton goalkeeper Stuart Moore and into the net to send Blackpool fans into raptures.
Blackpool fans protest against owner Karl Oyston Photo Credit: skysports.com
The Tangerines have had an incredibly difficult past couple of seasons; amidst experiencing various off-field problems they have suffered consecutive relegations to find themselves in England’s fourth tier. Only 5000 tickets have been sold and the boycotts organised to protest against Oyston’s ownership of the club looks set to continue to Wembley. In contrast, Exeter have sold over three times as many tickets for the massive clash.
Manager Gary Bowyer has, however, instilled some stability at Bloomfield Road and the club are attempting to bounce straight back into League One at the first time of asking.
Exeter themselves are trying to ply their trade in League One for the first time since 2013 and English football’s current second longest serving manager Paul Tisdale will be confident his side can find glory.
Team News
Gary Bowyer has a full squad to choose from for the big occasion, with every player available for Blackpool after training all week.
Exeter, however, still have Matt Jay and Robbie Simpson unavailable – but have no new injury concerns so Tisdale could name an unchanged side from the semi-final victory over Carlisle.
Ollie Watkins will be key to Exeter reaching League One Photo Credit: skysports.com
Player to Watch
Exeter forward Ollie Watkins has received numerous plaudits this season; not least after being awarded of the English Football League Young Player of the Year. The 21-year-old has plundered 15 goals in the league this season; notably his brace against Carlisle to send The Grecians to Wembley. Watkins also has 7 assists, and is noted for his dribbling ability and lightning pace and he could well be the difference in attaining promotion.
Summary
Just two points separated the two teams after the entirety of the league season and as such the match is too tight to call beforehand.
However, Blackpool have beaten Exeter in 5 of the last 8 meetings between the two sides and are undefeated against The Seasiders are undefeated in this campaign’s encounters.
Blackpool are seeking success in their record-equalling 7th appearance at Wembley (Crystal Palace are the only other side who can match that total) and will be hoping such experience will be invaluable.
Additionally, Exeter have only achieved a solitary clean sheet in their last 19 outings so this might well be an attacking affair.
Suggested Tips
- Skybet Price Boost – Ollie Watkins to score and Exeter to win in 90 mins – 4/1
- Skybet Price Boost – Exeter to win 3-1 – 22/1
- Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – BTTS, over 2.5 goals, Under 12 match corners and 50+ match booking pts – 7/1
- Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Cullen and Watkins to score – 7/1
- Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Cullen & Delfouneso to score, Blackpool to win and over 2.5 goals – 14/1
- Skybet RequestAbet 11/1 to 28/1 – Watkins to score, Exeter to win and Jake Taylor & Aldred to be carded – 28/1
- Skybet RequestAbet 33/1 to 66/1 – BTTS and Potts, Danns & Aldred to be carded – 40/1
- Skybet RequestAbet 33/1 to 66/1 – Watkins & Harley to score, Exeter to win and Potts to be carded – 66/1
- Skybet RequestAbet 80/1 and Above – Blackpool to win, BTTS and Aldred, Danns & Jake Taylor to be carded – 80/1
- Skybet RequestAbet 80/1 and Above – Cullen & Wheeler to score, 7+ match corners and Colin Daniel, Aldred, Jake Taylor & Woodman to be carded – 750/1
