Before the start of the season, Blackpool boss Neil Critchley would have set a target of around 50 points to keep the newly-promoted club in the second tier.
However, on the back of four wins in five, Blackpool have almost reached half of that tally, putting them in the mix for an unlikely promotion bid.
Critchley’s side are relishing the tag of minnows of the division, their latest statement result coming against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
At a time when they hold the fourth-best away record in the Championship, Blackpool also head into Wednesday’s game on the back of three successive wins at Bloomfield Road.
Midfielder Keshi Anderson has scored in consecutive fixtures, easing the responsibility on Shayne Lavery and Jerry Yates who have five strikes apiece.
When Blackpool were down towards the bottom of the standings earlier in the campaign, Stoke were putting together results which suggested that they could compete for automatic promotion.
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However, since ending West Bromwich Albion’s unbeaten league record on October 1, Stoke have collected just one point from a possible 12.
That draw came in demoralising circumstances, the Potters holding a 3-0 advantage at home to out-of-form Cardiff City before conceding three times in quick succession.
While Michael O’Neill has not reached the stage where he is under pressure to keep his job, he can ill-afford two more defeats on the road against Blackpool and Luton Town.Blackpool Championship form:
