Southport have been in the National League North since their relegation from the National League at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, and they were 12th in the sixth tier last term, boasting 57 points from their 42 matches.
The Port were only six points off the playoffs last term, so they will be bidding to challenge for possible promotion next season, but a lot could depend on their summer business.
Keenan Quansah became their latest signing on Wednesday, with the 25-year-old arriving from Staybridge Celtic, and there is expected to be a lot more movement before the start of their 2022-23 campaign.
Southport have a busy pre-season in terms of fixtures, taking on Blackpool, Lancaster City, Tranmere Rovers, Marine, Bootle, Bolton Wanderers and Everton before the end of next month.
Liam Watson’s side will certainly be the underdogs heading into Saturday’s affair, but it will be an excellent opportunity for the players to test themselves against Championship opposition.
Blackpool, meanwhile, finished 16th in the Championship last term, picking up 60 points from their 46 matches, which left them 23 points clear of the relegation zone and 15 points off the playoffs.
Michael Appleton will lead the Tangerines into the new campaign, with the 46-year-old becoming the club’s manager for the second time in June, replacing Neil Critchley at the helm.
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Blackpool are yet to make a first-team signing this summer, but there have been departures, with Ethan Robson, Grant Ward and Cameron Antwi among those leaving the club.
The Seasiders will take on Southport, Leeds United, Rangers, Salford City and Everton as part of their preparations for the new campaign before starting their Championship season on July 30.
Blackpool will face Reading and Stoke City in their opening two matches of the new campaign before facing Barrow in the first round of the EFL Cup on August 8.
