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Oxford United boss Karl Robinson eyes play-off shock against Blackpool
KARL Robinson insists Oxford United can make play-off history with an unprecedented turnaround against Blackpool.
The U’s are 3-0 down ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final second leg at Bloomfield Road after the Tangerines won comfortably at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday.
Nine teams have lost by three goals or more in the first leg of a Football League play-off since the competition began in 1986/87 and none made it through.
But with 90 minutes of football still to play, U’s head coach Robinson maintains his side are not completely out of the tie.
“It’s half-time, that’s all it is,” he said.
“I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
“Football’s an amazing sport, it produces moments that live in the mind forever.
“If we get through it’ll be the greatest achievement that this team has ever done.”
Robinson added: “They had the music on at the end of the game.
“I don’t find many teams putting music on at half-time.”
Robinson’s men trained at the Kassam Stadium yesterday and will be out on the pitches for a final session today, before travelling up to the north west later.
By then, the U's boss should know more about the fitness of Sam Winnall and Cameron Brannagan, who both went off with hamstring injuries on Tuesday.
Whether it is the final game of an energy-sapping 2020/21 season or not, Robinson is ready for one last effort.
He said: “I’m proud of what my players have done so far, it has been one big push, week-in, week-out.
“They’ve looked a bit fatigued at certain stages.
“Blackpool had two players that went off with injuries as well, but it’s a time of the season you get that.
“We’ll dust ourselves off and go again.”
Blackpool have now gone five matches without conceding, while they have scored five times against the U’s without reply in the three games between the sides this season.
Nevertheless, Tangerines boss Neil Critchley is wary of United’s threat and warned his team not to be complacent.
He said: “It’s only half-time, it’s only half the job done.
“Oxford have got enough in their squad and you’ve seen the ability they’ve got.
“They’re the third-highest scorers in the division, so they’re capable of scoring goals.”
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 13:59 - May 20 with 1469 views
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 18:45 - May 20 with 1462 views
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 13:59 - May 20 by BringBackTheRedRoom
📺 "I would like to think that #Blackpool is a humble, honest & hardworking area. I would like to think that myself & the players reflect how the people of Blackpool feel about their club"
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 20, 2021
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 18:47 - May 20 with 1460 views
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 18:45 - May 20 by BringBackTheRedRoom
📺 "I would like to think that #Blackpool is a humble, honest & hardworking area. I would like to think that myself & the players reflect how the people of Blackpool feel about their club"
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
0
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 19:01 - May 20 with 1447 views
Preview: Blackpool vs. Oxford United - prediction, team news, lineups
Blackpool head into the second leg of their League One playoff semi-final with Oxford United already on the brink of reaching the final later this month.
The Tangerines recorded a 3-0 victory in Tuesday's first leg, leaving their opponents requiring a near-miracle to remain competitive at Bloomfield Road.
Ahead of a tie between two teams in form, many people were expecting small margins to decide which of Blackpool or Oxford would earn a place at Wembley Stadium.
However, the former made a mockery of the pre-match predictions on Tuesday night, emerging as 3-0 victors after a ruthless performance at the Kassam Stadium.
While Ellis Simms's double stood out, Neil Critchley refused to single anyone out after their fifth successive triumph in the third tier.
Blackpool have also gone 487 minutes of football without conceding a goal, the most important statistic ahead of looking to avoid shipping three strikes on Friday night.
Simms, who is on loan from Everton, has now contributed 10 goals from 23 appearances since departing Goodison Park on a temporary basis at the start of 2021.
From Oxford's perspective, Karl Robinson knows that his team have it all to do if they want to avoid a second year of disappointment in the playoffs.
Having created the same amount of chances as Blackpool, the U's boss felt that his side were undeserving of such a demoralising setback in front of their returning supporters.
Nevertheless, Robinson also spoke about the benefit of being "fearless" ahead of the trip to the North-West as they bid to pull off an unlikely comeback.
Oxford scored 24 goals during their final seven games of the regular season, a return which will ensure that Blackpool do not take them lightly at Bloomfield Road.
Blackpool League One form: L W W W W W
Oxford United League One form: W L W W W L
Team News
While Critchley is hopeful that Luke Garbutt will shake off a minor back injury, it remains to be seen whether the Blackpool boss will be prepared to take any risks on the left-back.
If the former Everton man misses out, Jordan Thorniley will be used in central defence, with James Husband switching to full-back.
Sullay Kaikai may return to the squad after missing the first leg because of a hamstring injury.
Despite speaking positively about his team's performance on Tuesday, Robinson is expected to make at least one alteration to his starting lineup.
Olamide Shodipo appears most likely to be recalled in a wide position at the expense of either Elliot Lee or Brandon Barker.
Blackpool possible starting lineup: Maxwell; Turton, Ballard, Thorniley, Husband; Embleton, Stewart, Dougall; Yates, Simms, Anderson
Oxford United possible starting lineup: Stevens; Hanson, Moore, Atkinson, Ruffels; Henry, Brannagan, Sykes; Lee, Taylor, Shodipo
We say: Blackpool 1-1 Oxford United
Critchley will stress to his side that they can ill-afford to be too negative against opponents which now have nothing to lose.
Nevertheless, we do not expect the most thrilling of second legs, the home team securing their place at Wembley with minimal fuss.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 19:01 - May 20 by spell_chekker
Preview: Blackpool vs. Oxford United - prediction, team news, lineups
Blackpool head into the second leg of their League One playoff semi-final with Oxford United already on the brink of reaching the final later this month.
The Tangerines recorded a 3-0 victory in Tuesday's first leg, leaving their opponents requiring a near-miracle to remain competitive at Bloomfield Road.
Ahead of a tie between two teams in form, many people were expecting small margins to decide which of Blackpool or Oxford would earn a place at Wembley Stadium.
However, the former made a mockery of the pre-match predictions on Tuesday night, emerging as 3-0 victors after a ruthless performance at the Kassam Stadium.
While Ellis Simms's double stood out, Neil Critchley refused to single anyone out after their fifth successive triumph in the third tier.
Blackpool have also gone 487 minutes of football without conceding a goal, the most important statistic ahead of looking to avoid shipping three strikes on Friday night.
Simms, who is on loan from Everton, has now contributed 10 goals from 23 appearances since departing Goodison Park on a temporary basis at the start of 2021.
From Oxford's perspective, Karl Robinson knows that his team have it all to do if they want to avoid a second year of disappointment in the playoffs.
Having created the same amount of chances as Blackpool, the U's boss felt that his side were undeserving of such a demoralising setback in front of their returning supporters.
Nevertheless, Robinson also spoke about the benefit of being "fearless" ahead of the trip to the North-West as they bid to pull off an unlikely comeback.
Oxford scored 24 goals during their final seven games of the regular season, a return which will ensure that Blackpool do not take them lightly at Bloomfield Road.
Blackpool League One form: L W W W W W
Oxford United League One form: W L W W W L
Team News
While Critchley is hopeful that Luke Garbutt will shake off a minor back injury, it remains to be seen whether the Blackpool boss will be prepared to take any risks on the left-back.
If the former Everton man misses out, Jordan Thorniley will be used in central defence, with James Husband switching to full-back.
Sullay Kaikai may return to the squad after missing the first leg because of a hamstring injury.
Despite speaking positively about his team's performance on Tuesday, Robinson is expected to make at least one alteration to his starting lineup.
Olamide Shodipo appears most likely to be recalled in a wide position at the expense of either Elliot Lee or Brandon Barker.
Blackpool possible starting lineup: Maxwell; Turton, Ballard, Thorniley, Husband; Embleton, Stewart, Dougall; Yates, Simms, Anderson
Oxford United possible starting lineup: Stevens; Hanson, Moore, Atkinson, Ruffels; Henry, Brannagan, Sykes; Lee, Taylor, Shodipo
We say: Blackpool 1-1 Oxford United
Critchley will stress to his side that they can ill-afford to be too negative against opponents which now have nothing to lose.
Nevertheless, we do not expect the most thrilling of second legs, the home team securing their place at Wembley with minimal fuss.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 20:27 - May 20 with 1433 views
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
0
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 21:22 - May 20 with 1429 views
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
0
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 09:29 - May 21 with 1407 views
Preview: League One Playoff Semi-Final Second Leg — Blackpool vs Oxford United
Oxford United will have their work cut out in the League One play-off semi-final second leg against Blackpool with the U’s having to overturn a three-goal deficit. In addition, no team has come from behind by that margin in the playoffs to progress to the final.
Karl Robinson’s side lost 3-0 at Grenoble Road on Tuesday and are up against the divisions strongest defence, while the Seasiders have suffered just two defeats from their last 23 matches.
Sam Long was the only injury doubt for the U’s for the first leg and the club are yet to give an update, as is the case for Sam Winnall and Cameron Brannagan who were both forced off with hamstring injuries on Tuesday night.
Blackpool still have a selection of injury problems, but manager Neil Critchley has the luxury of being able to rotate players if he feels the need to.
Ellis Simms took his goal tally to ten for the season after his brace in the first leg.
The U’s are without a win in the three meetings between the two sides this season and have failed to score. In addition, Oxford have managed just one win from their last eight trips to Bloomfield Road.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Anthony Forde, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Mark Sykes, James Henry, Brandon Barker, Elliot Lee, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Blackpool 0-1 Oxford United
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 09:29 - May 21 by spell_chekker
Disappointing about the ticket Red but at least we're more or less through and you'll get one for the final.
Will you be on here for the match?
Big thanks to the club, and whoever gets it, hope they have a good time
I'll be online tonight, Spell
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
0
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 09:44 - May 21 with 1401 views
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 09:43 - May 21 by BringBackTheRedRoom
Big thanks to the club, and whoever gets it, hope they have a good time
I'll be online tonight, Spell
The lucky groundsmen from Blackpool strike again. 31mm in 24 hours. Never rains of matchdays here does it 🤨. Massive day, buzzing isnt the word. Cant wait. #utmp 🍊🧡🟠⚽️ pic.twitter.com/fezvybOuTC
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
0
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 11:02 - May 21 with 1393 views
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 09:44 - May 21 by BringBackTheRedRoom
The lucky groundsmen from Blackpool strike again. 31mm in 24 hours. Never rains of matchdays here does it 🤨. Massive day, buzzing isnt the word. Cant wait. #utmp 🍊🧡🟠⚽️ pic.twitter.com/fezvybOuTC
We look ahead to tonight's Sky Bet League 1 play-off semi-final second leg
Oxford United travel to Blackpool this evening in the Sky Bet League 1 play-off semi-final second leg.
The U's look to make history at Bloomfield Road tonight. No team in the history of the play-offs has ever come back from 3-0 down after the first leg but the U's have been in great form on the road and will look to overcome the odds as the teams fight for a place at Wembley in the final.
TEAM NEWS Cameron Brannagan, Sam Winnall and Jamie Hanson all limped off in the first leg on Tuesday night. Thankfully Hanson's injury was only cramp on his first start for a while but Brannagan and Winnall both felt hamstrings tighten and are rated doubtful.
With Sam Long also ruled out of the first leg the U's have been hit by injuries at just the wrong time but Rob Hall and Liam Kelly both travelled with the squad yesterday and could feature.
Long term absentees John Mousinho and Marcus McGuane are again ruled out but are back on the pitches and making good progress.
THE OPPOSITION Blackpool boss Neil Critchley told the official Blackpool website:
“To keep a clean sheet and score three goals in the first leg, we’ve got to be extremely happy with that. We’re playing with real confidence, I thought Ellis Simms was a real handful and his contribution was fantastic, but as a team we all performed really well.
“Rest and recovery will be hugely important heading into Friday night, but I can’t wait for it. I can’t wait to get out in front of the fans, I know the Tangerine Army will be making lots of noise and I know the players can’t wait either. They’ll be right behind us in full voice and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about at the end of the night.”
FANS AT THE GROUND Blackpool have sold their full allocation of tickets and no further tickets will be available: supporters without tickets should not travel.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 11:10 - May 21 by spell_chekker
PREVIEW Blackpool v Oxford United
We look ahead to tonight's Sky Bet League 1 play-off semi-final second leg
Oxford United travel to Blackpool this evening in the Sky Bet League 1 play-off semi-final second leg.
The U's look to make history at Bloomfield Road tonight. No team in the history of the play-offs has ever come back from 3-0 down after the first leg but the U's have been in great form on the road and will look to overcome the odds as the teams fight for a place at Wembley in the final.
TEAM NEWS Cameron Brannagan, Sam Winnall and Jamie Hanson all limped off in the first leg on Tuesday night. Thankfully Hanson's injury was only cramp on his first start for a while but Brannagan and Winnall both felt hamstrings tighten and are rated doubtful.
With Sam Long also ruled out of the first leg the U's have been hit by injuries at just the wrong time but Rob Hall and Liam Kelly both travelled with the squad yesterday and could feature.
Long term absentees John Mousinho and Marcus McGuane are again ruled out but are back on the pitches and making good progress.
THE OPPOSITION Blackpool boss Neil Critchley told the official Blackpool website:
“To keep a clean sheet and score three goals in the first leg, we’ve got to be extremely happy with that. We’re playing with real confidence, I thought Ellis Simms was a real handful and his contribution was fantastic, but as a team we all performed really well.
“Rest and recovery will be hugely important heading into Friday night, but I can’t wait for it. I can’t wait to get out in front of the fans, I know the Tangerine Army will be making lots of noise and I know the players can’t wait either. They’ll be right behind us in full voice and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about at the end of the night.”
FANS AT THE GROUND Blackpool have sold their full allocation of tickets and no further tickets will be available: supporters without tickets should not travel.
I'm going to keep a closer eye on Barker tonight.
We've already been linked several times to the signing of this type of player, notably Lavery (Linfield and ex Everton), Gilliead (Scunthorpe), and more recently Bowler (Everton).
One think, we could be developing good links with Everton.
Another thing, coming back to Barker, is the Rangers connection. We've done a fair bit of business with Rangers before and, not only are they Barker's parent club but, they have also reportedly expressed an interest in signing Jerry Yates. A Barker + cash for Yates type deal is pure speculation but not altogether inconceivable.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Blackpool welcome Oxford United for the second leg of the play-off semi-final on Friday evening, as both sides fight it out for a place in the final at Wembley on 30th May.
The Seasiders come into the fixture with a three goal lead at the half way stage of the tie, thanks to Ollie Turton’s goal and an Ellis Simms brace at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday evening.
4,000 Blackpool supporters will be in attendance on the evening — the biggest crowd at Bloomfield Road for over a year, with the side just 90 minutes away from a first Wembley appearance since 2017.
Team News:
Neil Critchley is expected to have a similar squad to his disposal as he had on Tuesday. Oxford could be without Cameron Brannagan and Sam Winnall, who both came off injured in the first leg.
The Key Player: Matty Taylor
Matty Taylor is Oxford’s top scorer so far this season, finding the back of the net 18 times. The 30-year-old striker signed permanently for the Yellows in the summer on a three year contract, after impressing at the Kassam Stadium whilst on loan from Bristol City last season.
Taylor counts Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers and North Leigh on his list of former clubs.
Neil Critchley:
“I liked the reaction of our players after the game on Tuesday. It was a feeling of a job well done, but there was no over the top celebrations. We know we need to finish the tie off at home on Friday night, and that’s exactly what we are working towards.”
Sponsors:
Thanks to all six sponsors for Friday night’s game.
Match Sponsors — NRG Fleet
Ball Sponsors — Wyre Scaffolding
Programme Sponsors — Zinc Property Management
Castain Sponsor — Links Signs and Graphics
Highlight Sponsor — Scanlite
Water Sponsor — Wenlock Springs
Watch The Match Live:
A limited capacity of 4,000 supporters will attend the match. Those who have tickets can access the stadium from 6:15pm. Please follow all floor markings and steward advice to remain socially distanced throughout the evening.
The match will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football, but not on iFollow. Kick off is 7:45pm.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Nine teams have been 3+ goals down after the first leg of a Football League play-off, none went through. If there’s a season to break that record, it’s this one... #oufchttps://t.co/WMUHt9Pdoz
If you're looking for good omens, tonight's referee is Keith Stroud. His last #oufc game was the 3-2 win at Charlton in 2018, so he has seen Utd come back from the dead before...
Oxford United Match Thread (Second Leg) on 14:36 - May 21 by spell_chekker
Nine teams have been 3+ goals down after the first leg of a Football League play-off, none went through. If there’s a season to break that record, it’s this one... #oufchttps://t.co/WMUHt9Pdoz
If you're looking for good omens, tonight's referee is Keith Stroud. His last #oufc game was the 3-2 win at Charlton in 2018, so he has seen Utd come back from the dead before...
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 20, 2021
Blackpool are 90 minutes away from reaching their eighth play-off final.
Follow our live blog for build-up, team news and action as 4,000 Seasiders return to Bloomfield Road for tonight's decisive second leg against Oxford 👇https://t.co/2369PA7VI3
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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