Few people could argue with the standard of Stoke’s business during the January transfer window as Michael O’Neill attempted to shake the club into action.
Initially, it appeared that a revival was very much on the cards, but Stoke have failed to win any of their last four matches since a 3-0 victory over Swansea City.
The Potters, who have now prevailed in just two of their last 12 fixtures, are now down in 15th position, realistically needing to win 10 of their remaining 13 games to stay in the playoff hunt.
Stoke gave a solid account of themselves in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday, but the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace was their third reverse by that scoreline in a row.
The Staffordshire outfit have lost four of their last six fixtures at the bet365 Stadium having previously only suffered two setbacks in 11 attempts.
Having effectively already guaranteed their second-tier status for another 12 months, Blackpool can afford to go all out for wins during the final period of the season.
A return of 15 points from nine games since the turn of the year has gone under the radar, their latest win over Reading coming by a 4-1 scoreline.
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Neil Critchley has worked wonders at Bloomfield Road, but both he and his squad share a desire to really kick on, starting by achieving a top-10 finish after they were previously fancied for relegation.
Blackpool have scored in each of their last 12 matches in the Championship, although that still only gives them the joint 15th-best attacking record.
Shayne Lavery scored his eighth Championship goal of the campaign last weekend to make him the leading marksman for the Seasiders
