Blackpool host Boxing Day bout against Liverpool

Blackpool will be hoping to avoid a 3rd home postponement in as many weeks as 9th place Liverpool visit Bloomfield Road on Saturday amid sub-zero temperatures.

It has been over a month since the Seasiders last played at home, a win over Wolves back on the 20th November with ended 2-1. Fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United have since fallen foul of the worsening winter weather, as Blackpool suffer from having no undersoil heating, which leaves the pitch open to freezing when uncovered.

The weather isn’t the only thing to be frustrating manager Ian Holloway this December, as injuries and suspensions mount up at a crucial time of the year. Skipper Charlie Adam misses out, as he serves a one game ban, whilst Matt Gilks, Alex Baptiste and Marlon Harewood are all injured.

On-loan striker Luke Varney is expected to start and will hope to repeat history for the Tangerines from earlier this season; in October, Blackpool stunned the Kop with a 2-1 win against the Reds with Varney scoring the second goal at the end of the first half. A similar outcome and scoreline is currently priced at 35/1, as the bookmakers struggle to decide on the favourite for the match.

The correct score betting market is currently wide-open, with Bet365 having a range of fine odds ranging from a Blackpool 1-0 win (14/1), a Liverpool 2-0 win (15/2) or a 2-2 draw (12/1). With Liverpool’s dire away form looking far from fixed, a home win looks promising, with 14/1 the lowest score price available. The half-time/full-time odds are just as inviting, with 9/1 for Blackpool to go on to win after an even first 45 minutes.

To stop that from happening, Reds boss Roy Hodgson will be relying on the returning pair of Captain Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres. Liverpool may also be able to welcome back defender Daniel Agger after a lengthy spell on the treatment table.

“It is a big boost to have Gerrard back going into five games in 15 days,” Hodgson announced. “It's a season-changing period for every team.”

Liverpool were in 18th place when the sides last met, but have slowly climbed the table after an up-and-down end to 2010. A last minute Gerrard goal is priced at 11/2.

Bet Highlight

Blackpool could capitalise on Liverpool’s poor away form, a winning margin of just one goal is priced at 5/1.

Premier League 09/10:

n/a

Premier League 10/11:

Liverpool 1-2 Blackpool