Blackpool vs Sheffield Wednesday Predictions

Blackpool vs Sheffield Wednesday predictions for this EFL Cup fixture. Blackpool are set to take on Sheffield Wednesday at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday evening in the 2024-25 EFL Cup third round. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

EFL Cup | Third Round | Sep 17, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Bloomfield Road (Blackpool, Lancashire)

Blackpool vs Sheffield Wednesday Predictions

Will Sheffield Wednesday’s Experience Overcome Blackpool’s Home Advantage?

• Defensive Fragility at Blackpool
  • Blackpool have conceded an average of 2.4 goals per game this season, struggling to keep clean sheets across all competitions. Their leaky defence could be a major vulnerability against Sheffield Wednesday’s attacking threats like Ike Ugbo and Charlie McNeill.
• Sheffield Wednesday’s Attacking Potential
  • Despite inconsistent league form, Sheffield Wednesday have shown they can deliver in cup competitions, scoring five goals in their last EFL Cup game. With Ugbo and McNeill expected to start, Wednesday have the firepower to capitalise on Blackpool’s defensive weaknesses.
• Blackpool’s Home Comforts
  • Although Blackpool are underdogs, their recent home form has been strong, with three wins in their last four matches. Their attack, led by James Husband and Jordan Rhodes, will be key if they are to break down a resilient Sheffield Wednesday defence.

Best Bet

Tuesday night will see Blackpool host Sheffield Wednesday at Bloomfield Road in what promises to be a captivating third-round EFL Cup clash. Both teams have battled through previous rounds, with Blackpool defeating Burton Albion and Blackburn Rovers, while Sheffield Wednesday overcame Hull City and Grimsby Town. Each side is eager to push deeper into the competition, but recent form and squad depth make this an intriguing matchup. Blackpool are currently riding a wave of confidence under new manager Steve Bruce, whereas Sheffield Wednesday have experienced an inconsistent season in the Championship so far. The match is expected to be a tightly contested affair with both clubs looking to capitalise on their cup form.

Given the disparity in league status, with Blackpool operating in League One and Sheffield Wednesday competing in the Championship, many will anticipate a fiercely competitive encounter. Sheffield Wednesday’s season has been patchy, with flashes of brilliance often overshadowed by inconsistency. Blackpool, on the other hand, come into the game buoyed by recent performances, but their leaky defence raises questions about their ability to maintain stability against higher-ranked opposition. Both teams have shown their attacking potential but are equally vulnerable at the back, setting the stage for an unpredictable clash.

The standout prediction for this match is Sheffield Wednesday to claim victory. While Blackpool have been enjoying a decent spell of form in recent weeks, especially in cup competitions, they are still a League One side going up against Championship opposition. Sheffield Wednesday may have struggled in their domestic league, but they possess the kind of squad depth that should give them the upper hand in this knockout tie.

Sheffield Wednesday have shown glimpses of their potential, particularly in the earlier rounds of the cup where they put five goals past Grimsby Town. Ike Ugbo and Charlie McNeill are proving to be dangerous up front, and their presence alone could trouble a Blackpool defence that has not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches. Blackpool’s defensive stats show they concede 2.4 goals per game and have yet to achieve a clean sheet this season, making them highly susceptible to Wednesday’s attackers.

Moreover, Blackpool’s attacking prowess, while commendable, is likely to come under strain against Sheffield Wednesday’s more experienced defensive unit. Blackpool’s James Husband and Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel will face a real test from Sheffield’s wide players, and without the commanding presence of Ben Hamer in goal for Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool may see this as an opportunity to attack. However, the Championship side’s defensive metrics are more reassuring, with Sheffield Wednesday conceding fewer chances per game compared to Blackpool and generally holding a higher level of tactical organisation.

The BettingTips4You.com expert, Herrin Kendrick, summarises the confidence behind this prediction:

“Blackpool’s momentum has been impressive, but Sheffield Wednesday’s squad depth and Championship experience should see them through. Their attacking options, led by Ugbo and McNeill, could easily expose Blackpool’s fragile defence, and that’s why Wednesday are favourites here.”

Another aspect favouring Sheffield Wednesday is the physicality and composure of their midfield. With players like Nathaniel Chalobah and Marvin Johnson providing control in the middle of the park, Sheffield are well-positioned to dominate possession. Blackpool’s midfield will need to be at their sharpest to deal with this threat, but it’s likely that the quality in Sheffield Wednesday’s ranks will outshine the League One side over 90 minutes.

Correct Score Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Blackpool

In line with the best bet, the correct score prediction for this fixture is a 2-1 victory for Sheffield Wednesday. Although Blackpool are expected to put up a fight, especially at home, their defensive frailties should ultimately cost them. Given that Blackpool have managed to score in all their recent games, it’s reasonable to expect them to find the net, particularly with Jordan Rhodes and CJ Hamilton offering attacking outlets. However, Sheffield Wednesday’s attacking duo of Ugbo and McNeill should have enough firepower to outscore their opponents.

Blackpool’s average of 1.8 goals per game indicates their ability to create chances, but their record of conceding 2.4 goals per game suggests they are prone to defensive lapses. On the other side, Sheffield Wednesday’s defence has been far from perfect, with an average of two goals conceded per game, which gives Blackpool hope of getting on the scoresheet. However, the Championship side should have just enough to outscore their League One rivals.

The tactical battle in midfield is also expected to influence this outcome. Blackpool have averaged 49.2% possession this season, while Sheffield Wednesday have slightly edged them with 50.6%. This suggests a balanced midfield contest, but Sheffield Wednesday’s more clinical approach in front of goal should give them the edge.

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