Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 13/15
Bookmaker: BetUS
Blackpool will kick off the 2025/26 League One season on Saturday with a home fixture against Stevenage at Bloomfield Road.
The Seasiders ended last season in ninth, narrowly missing out on the playoff race, while Stevenage wrapped up their campaign in 14th. Both teams will be eager to make a strong early statement as they aim to climb higher in the table this time around.
Blackpool
Blackpool will begin their third consecutive League One campaign aiming to go one better than last season, when they fell 11 points short of the playoffs and finished in ninth place. Manager Steve Bruce, who took charge early in that campaign, guided the side to a record of 17 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses from 42 matches, and now enters his first full season at the helm with expectations of a promotion push.
Bruce has been active in the transfer market, reinforcing his squad across the pitch. Goalkeepers Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Franco Ravizzoli have joined to add competition between the sticks. Defensive depth has been bolstered by the arrivals of Danny Imray, Fraser Horsfall, and Michael Ihiekwe, while Jordan Brown, George Honeyman, and Niall Ennis add energy and experience in midfield and attack. Blackpool head into the league opener unbeaten in pre-season, following wins over AFC Fylde and West Brom and draws against Salford City and Doncaster Rovers.
Team News
Blackpool will be without several key players for their League One opener, as CJ Hamilton, Albie Morgan, and Tom Bloxham are all sidelined through injury. Defenders Danny Imray and James Husband are also unavailable due to knee and hamstring issues respectively, limiting Steve Bruce’s defensive options.
Despite these absences, the Tangerines will look to Ashley Fletcher to provide a cutting edge in attack. The former Manchester United striker was the club̢۪s only player to reach double figures in the league last season, and he is expected to lead the line again as part of a front two.
Stevenage
Stevenage are preparing for their third straight season in League One since securing promotion in 2022/23. After a ninth-place finish in 2023/24, they regressed slightly last season, finishing 14th with 15 wins, 12 draws, and 19 defeats. Manager Alex Revell will be aiming to get the club back into the top half and potentially mount a playoff challenge.
To that end, Stevenage have brought in eight new players. Jordan Houghton, Bez Lubala, Chem Campbell, Phoenix Patterson, and Mathaeus Roberts strengthen the midfield and forward areas. Jasper Pattenden and Saxon Earley come in to provide full-back cover, while Filip Marschall has arrived from Aston Villa to take up the No. 1 shirt. Pre-season yielded mixed results for the Boroâ€"two wins, a draw, and two defeatsâ€"capped by a narrow 2-1 win over MK Dons last weekend.
Saturday̢۪s clash at Bloomfield Road will also offer Stevenage the opportunity to claim a first-ever away win at Blackpool, having drawn once and lost twice in their previous three visits.
Team News
Stevenage have an injury concern of their own, with Jake Young facing a late fitness test after picking up a knock in last weekend̢۪s friendly against MK Dons. If he is unavailable, manager Alex Revell may opt for a settled back four comprising Luther James-Wildin, Charlie Goode, Carl Piergianni, and Dan Butler.
Up front, Jamie Reid is set to spearhead the visitors̢۪ attack. After netting eight league goals last term, the 30-year-old will be eager to make a fast start to the new campaign as Stevenage aim to improve on last season̢۪s 14th-place finish.
Conclusion
Blackpool boast a strong head-to-head record against Stevenage, having won four of their six competitive meetings to date. With the backing of the Bloomfield Road crowd and a solid pre-season under their belt, the Tangerines look well-placed to extend that dominance.
Despite a few injury absences, Steve Bruce̢۪s side should have enough quality to edge past a Stevenage team still finding their rhythm.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 13/15
Bookmaker: BetUS