EFL Trophy Group Standings and Recent Form
Harrogate Town currently sits at the bottom of their four-team group, holding just two points from their opening two games. Their most recent EFL Trophy outing was a narrow 1-0 loss to Crewe Alexandra on October 8, where Calum Agius's 30th-minute goal proved decisive. Despite a more promising second-half performance, Harrogate couldn’t find the back of the net. In contrast, Blackpool is second in the group with four points, following a goalless draw against Liverpool U21s on November 6, which ended in a penalty loss.
Harrogate Town's League Two Struggles
In League Two, Harrogate Town sits perilously close to the relegation zone. Currently positioned fifth from the bottom with 15 points from 15 games, they are only four points clear of Carlisle United, who occupy one of the automatic relegation spots. The Sulphurites are on a rough patch, having lost three of their last four games, including a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to last-placed Morecambe, who scored a 96th-minute winner after Harrogate equalized late in the 86th minute.
Long-serving manager Simon Weaver, who has been at the helm since 2009 and guided the club from the sixth tier to League Two, faces one of his toughest challenges yet. Harrogate's inconsistent form at home has seen them alternate between victory and defeat, with three wins and three losses in their last six matches at the EnviroVent Stadium.
Blackpool's Form in League One
Meanwhile, Blackpool, currently 18th in League One with 16 points from 14 games, has also struggled this season. They sit only four points clear of Crawley Town, who are in the first of four relegation spots. In their last league match, Blackpool endured a heavy 3-0 defeat against Leyton Orient, a match in which they failed to score despite creating four big chances.
Manager Steve Bruce, appointed in early September following Neil Critchley’s departure in August, initially found success with five consecutive wins. However, Blackpool’s form has faltered since, with only one win, four losses, and three draws in their last eight games. On the road, their recent record has also been concerning, with three defeats in their last four away fixtures, though they had previously won four of their last five away games.
Prediction
This match presents a challenging scenario for both teams, who are under pressure in their respective leagues. Harrogate will be eager to seize any advantage from their home support, while Blackpool will aim to rediscover their early form under Bruce to secure a much-needed morale boost.
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