Blackpool v Crewe Alexandra Prediction: Defensively-fragile Tangerines set to entertain in 8-1 bet builder

Blackpool are out of form in League One while Crewe Alexandra are going great guns in League Two and both will be hoping that this EFL Trophy fixture can propel them on to better things.

The pressure is already on Blackpool in the EFL Trophy after they suffered a 3-2 loss at Wigan in their Group B opener and another defeat here would see them crash out of the competition.

Crewe started their EFL Trophy campaign with a 4-1 rout of Aston Villa Under-21s and they are one of only two teams still unbeaten in League Two, having won three and drawn six of their nine matches.

The Railwaymen did lose 3-2 at Barnsley in the EFL Cup so will know tougher tests await against League One opposition but Blackpool have been in awful nick and could do with a morale-boosting performance.

Blackpool v Crewe Alexandra Tips Summary

Best Bet - Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals @ 5/6
Alternative Bet - Jerry Yates anytime goalscorer @ 11/10
Bet Builder - Crewe or draw double chance, Over 2.5 goals & Jerry Yates anytime goalscorer @ 8/1

Blackpool v Crewe Alexandra Prediction

Best Bet: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals @ 5/6

Blackpool made a promising start to the League One season, taking seven points from their first three games, but they have lost three of their last four and are looking short on belief.

The Tangerines have no problem scoring goals but defensively they are easy to exploit and they have conceded two or more in six of their last seven outings.

Blackpool have scored in all 10 of their competitive matches this season but both teams have netted in nine of those, which should offer Crewe hope.

The Railwaymen are yet to taste defeat in League Two, so will be full of optimism, and a 4-1 win over Aston Villa’s youngsters in their opening assignment has put them in a good qualification position.

Turning draws into wins has been the chief problem for Crewe and both teams have scored in their last seven outings to suggest this should be entertaining.

A 3-2 loss at League One Barnsley in the second round of the EFL Cup shows that Crewe have players who can hurt Blackpool and the goals should flow.

Alternative Bet: Jerry Yates anytime goalscorer @ 11/10

Both teams may opt to make changes as they look ahead to tough weekend fixtures in the league but Blackpool need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive and kicking.

That should mean that Ian Evatt still names a strong enough side and Jerry Yates, having had two weeks off due to the international break, is expected to lead the line.

Yates has scored in his last two appearances and that included in the 3-2 defeat at Wigan in their EFL Trophy opener.

The 29-year-old is on loan from League One rivals Luton and he scored four goals in 18 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship last season, so he may find this test easier than he is used to.

Blackpool v Crewe Alexandra Bet Builder Tip

• Crewe or draw double chance

• Over 2.5 goals

• Jerry Yates anytime goalscorer 
  
  Pays 8/1

Blackpool’s defensive deficiencies have contributed to a five-game winless run and Crewe are a difficult side to beat, having yet to taste defeat in nine League Two outings.

Each of Blackpool’s last eight matches have gone over 2.5 goals, with 19 goals scored across their last four outings, so this should be littered with entertainment.

That could mean that clinical finisher Yates gets on the scoresheet for a third straight appearance for Blackpool, having arrived on loan from Luton only at the end of August.

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Key Match Stats

• Blackpool are winless in five, suffering four defeats

• Both teams have scored in nine of Blackpool’s 10 games this season

• Both teams have scored in the last six meetings between the sides

• Crewe are unbeaten in eight matches

• Both teams have scored in Crewe’s last seven fixtures

• Four of the last five meetings between this pair have ended as draws

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.