Leeds United will kick-off their pre-season friendly fixtures with a clash against Sky Bet Championship side, Blackpool FC. The game will be played at the City of York Council’s LNER Stadium, getting underway at 7pm! 

Although Thursday’s match will get Jesse Marsch’s side started with their pre-season friendly clashes, Blackpool have so far played one game, which was a 2-0 victory over Southport FC away from home last weekend. 

Michael Appleton is the new manager at the helm for the Seasiders, after previous boss Neil Critchley departed this summer to take up the assistant manager role at Premier League side, Aston Villa. 

Michael Appleton takes charge of Blackpool, after being appointed this summer.

How did last season go?

Blackpool finished 16th in the Championship last season, which was their first year back in the division after being promoted the previous year via the play-offs. Critchley’s side were never in danger of relegation after going up a division, finishing on 60 points after 16 wins, 12 draws and 18 losses. The top scorer for the Seasiders throughout the league campaign was Gary Madine with nine, but Shayne Lavery was the overall chart topper, with 10 to his name. 

Central midfielder Kenny Dougall captains his side, during the 2021/22 campaign.

A player to watch…

Josh Bowler has been a standout performer for Blackpool over the last 12-months or so, with the winger showcasing he has the ability to use both feet to get past defenders. The 23-year-old has also shown that he can both create and score goals and the former Everton youth product will certainly need close attention throughout the match. 

Dangerous winger Josh Bowler looks to go on the attack, for the Seasiders.

Previous meetings…

In competitive matches, the two teams have met a combined 47 times, since their first encounter way back in 1920! Leeds have won 18 of those matches, whilst Thursday’s visitors have won 15 times, with the other 14 clashes ending in a draw. 

Supporter information:

Thursday’s match is being played at the City of York Council’s LNER Stadium, with kick-off at 7pm. Supporters can check the availability on tickets for the match, HERE!

For fans attending, the address of the ground is: Kathryn Ave, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF.

For fans not attending the game, you can watch live with a match pass on LUTV by CLICKING HERE, or alternatively stay right here on leedsunited.com for full updates, a match report and reaction after the game. 

A view from the sky of the City of York Council’s LNER Stadium.