Manchester City will want to grab a victory at home to further their ambitions in the Premier League title race. Their arch-rivals, Manchester United - who are currently at the top of the table - have been average on their travels, winning only one of their eight games away from home.
And with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men having to navigate a tricky trip to West Bromwich Albion, the Eastlands outfit may feel that top spot could be within touching distance.
But first and foremost, Roberto Mancini’s charges will have to continue their recent form and beat Blackpool to claim three points on the day.
City only recently travelled away to Newcastle and brought back three points, while the game that followed - against Aston Villa - looked like it would have a much higher scoreline than the 4-0 that it resulted in.
But all said and done, both games resulted in victories and six points were gained starting from Boxing Day. Now City will be looking to start the New Year with renewed energy and push forward to keep up with their more illustrious neighbours.
Admirable Away Days
On the pitch, Blackpool reflect their manager Ian Holloway’s persona off it, as they manage to play some good entertaining and attacking football.
This policy has resulted in the side having secured excellent results on their travels. The 4-0 against Wigan Athletic, conquering St James’ Park with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle, and sending shockwaves at Anfield through a 2-1 victory over Liverpool were all fantastic results.
In total, the Seasiders have barely shown even a hint of travel sickness as they have registered five victories away from Bloomfield Road. Add two more draws to the 15 points and we have 17 of their 25 points having been gained away from home.
And to rise up to eighth place in the league in their first season in the top-flight is a commendable achievement, and the gaffer will likely want to hold on to a spot in the upper half of the table for the remainder of the season.
Even a draw on the day will be a very positive result for a side that few would fancy against high flying City.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City
Michael Johnson (knee) is a long term absentee, while Emmanuel Adebayor (groin) is still a doubt for this game. City boss Roberto Mancini would likely tinker with his line-up again, particularly due to the upcoming fixture against Arsenal.
Carlos Tevez could come back into line-up, having been rested during the victory over Aston Villa. Mario Balotelli, despite scoring a hat-trick against Gerard Houllier’s men, could be headed benchwards to be saved for the game against the Gunners.
Possible starting XI: Hart; Boateng, K Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; Milner, De Jong, Barry; A Johnson, Jo, Tevez.
Blackpool
Elliot Grandin (hamstring) is a doubt for this game, but it may not bother manager Ian Holloway too much as he has his skipper Charlie Adam returning from suspension.
Malaury Martin (knee), Marlon Harewood (hamstring), Matt Gilks (knee) are all sidelined with respective injuries, while Chris Basham (broken leg) and Billy Clarke (knee) are not expected to return for a few more months.
Possible starting XI: Kingson; Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Crainey; Phillips, Adam, Vaughan; Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell, Varney.
Prediction
Manchester City are in roaring form but the visitors are also doing pretty well, and this could end as an entertaining draw.
Man City 1-1 Blackpool 
