AHEAD of Swindon Town's game at home to Blackpool, Adver Sport spoke to the Blackpool Gazette's Matt Scrafton to gain the inside scoop on the Tangerines.

Having stuttered at times earlier this season, Blackpool are now flying - What’s the secret?

It was a huge summer of transition for the Seasiders, who signed 17 players and moved on 21. In that respect, their poor start - where they lost six of their opening nine league games - shouldn’t have come as a major surprise. Since then, Neil Critchley and his players have adapted to the division and have become exceptionally difficult to beat, losing just four of their following 26 games. Owner Simon Sadler invested during pre-season while many other clubs were cutting their cloth due to the pandemic and that is now paying dividends.

How has Jerry Yates settled into life in tangerine?

He took a bit of time to settle originally, having failed to score in his opening 11 games. Nevertheless, he was a tireless runner and was key to Blackpool’s pressing. Since then, he’s added goals to his game - 17 in 30, to be precise - making him the club’s top scorer and rapidly becoming a fans’ favourite among Blackpool supporters.

How big a blow will be to lose CJ Hamilton for the remainder?

It’s a major blow, as Hamilton has been one of Blackpool’s standout performers this season. But the winger had already missed a large chunk of the season with a hamstring injury and Blackpool coped well in his absence. The Seasiders boast an impressive strength in depth this season and have missed nine or 10 players at points in recent weeks, and yet have still managed to name a strong side.

Where are Blackpool’s key strengths and weaknesses?

Their main strength is how well-coached and how well-drilled they are under Neil Critchley. Whenever a newcomer comes into the team, you tend not to notice a huge difference as every player knows their role down to a tee. It makes them extremely hard to beat, which explains their 11-game unbeaten run. Their main weakness has been their lack of goals. While they’re excellent defensively, they’ve only managed to score 44 goals, which is the same amount as Swindon and two fewer than bottom side Rochdale.

How do you see the game going?

Blackpool have won their last four away games, so I’d like to think they’ll make it five. It will probably be close though, so I’ll go for 2-1.