Following a poor start to life back in the Championship after winning the League One playoffs last season, Blackpool have now picked up 13 points from their last six games.
Neil Critchley and his side are earning several plaudits for their organisation and style of play, and certainly seem the best prepared for life in the second tier out of the newly-promoted sides.
The Tangerines trailed 2-0 at half time away at Reading on Wednesday evening, but staged a superb second half comeback to win 3-2 thanks to Owen Dale’s strike and a brace from Jerry Yates.
Critchley said it was “everything I’d want in a Blackpool performance”, as his side rose to 12th in the Championship table – three points off the playoffs.
Blackpool have won three of their last four home matches, but have only scored four goals in six games at Bloomfield Road so far this season.
Preston were also victorious on Wednesday night thanks to a second half comeback, beating high-flying Coventry City 2-1 with goals from Patrick Bauer and Emil Riis Jakobsen after the break.
It was a first win in eight league matches for the Lilywhites – six of their previous seven had ended as draws – and moved them 18th, six points clear of the relegation zone.
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Preston historically have the better record in the West Lancashire derby, with 46 wins to Blackpool’s 30.
However, Frankie McAvoy’s men are one of only two sides in the Championship yet to win an away game this season, along with Barnsley.
It is the start of a big week for the Lilywhites, as they host Liverpool in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday
