Blackpool FC

At the start of the season, few people would have given Blackpool any chance of Premiership survival, let alone mount a campaign that has seen them flirt with the European places.
After a start beyond the wildest dreams of even the most ardent of Tangerine fans, reality has set in somewhat and Blackpool are starting to gaze nervously over their shoulder at the teams below them. A win against the leaders would have been a massive boost to the side but Manchester Utd never know when they`re beaten and their sensational comeback is likely to have dented Blackpool`s confidence just a little.

So what can Blackpool expect from the rest of the season? As they head towards the end of January, Ian Holloway`s men lie in a seemingly comfortable 12th, however this is just six points clear of the relegation zone and a dismal month has seen them win just one game and lose the other six.

Key to the rest of the season will be Ian Holloway. Earlier in the campaign, the manager said he would resign if the club were fined for fielding a weakened team. That fine has just been announced so what will he do? Holloway probably regrets saying that now and it would be no surprise if the club announces that a `resignation` has been rejected.

Crucial too are many of Blackpool`s players: Charlie Adam has been linked with a move away from the club during this transfer window and has had a transfer request rejected. This could go to the wire and we probably won`t know until February the 1st as to where the player`s immediate future lies.

Equally vital though is DJ Campbell: The striker returned from illness and scored against United in the 2-3 defeat and his goals will be key to the rest of Blackpool`s season. Campbell was in sparkling form at the start of the campaign and many feel he has been unlucky to miss out on an England call up.

The Tangerines are out of the FA Cup so, in time honoured fashion, they are free to concentrate on the league. February sees a busy calendar with 5 league games coming up for the club. Out of those 5 fixtures, you feel Blackpool have to win at home against West Ham and Aston Villa and take something from the match away to Wolves. With seven points from those games, anything from the Spurs and Everton fixtures will be an added bonus.

After their great start to the season, many had begun to tip Blackpool as outside contenders for a European place. While that may not be realistic this time round, the Tangerines should still be looking at a comfortable mid table finish to 2010/11. Right now they have the players and the manager in place to do just that, but fans will be hoping that there are no drastic changes in personnel just yet.

Whatever happens, Blackpool have left an indelible mark on the Premiership this year and it will be fascinating to watch live football free to see how their season ends.