This seasons competition is starting to mirror last seasons run to the quarter finals. Single goal 2nd round wins away at League One clubs, Cheltenham last season and Leyton Orient this year, have been followed by home ties with Championship sides in round 3, Reading 12 months ago and this game. Last years third round tie with Reading ended 2-2 before the Potters advanced on penalties and another thriller will be more than welcome with the fans making their way to tonights game.
Stoke are still without Mama Sidibe with a long term injury whilst Michael Tonge, Amdy Faye, Salif Diao and James Beattie are all doubtful with knocks. Robert Huth is unavailable after playing for Middlesbrough in the opening round.
Charlie Adam is doubtful for the visitors who will be hoping that they can have their key man available for the crunch tie at the Brit.
Stoke recent form has been hampered by late goals, they have in fact cost them three points in the last two games against Chelsea and Bolton, but the last six games have seen the Potters collect a credible 8 points. Blackpool are in great form, having beaten Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest in the past week, and also thrashed Premier League Wigan by four goals to one in the last round, making them the only side to have knocked out a top division side in this years competition.
Stoke hold the edge over Blackpool with 15 wins to 8 at home, and 28 to the Seasiders 21 wins overall. The Potters are also unbeaten in the last four games with Blackpool, and the last 3 at Stoke. In seven cup ties the Potters have triumphed five times to Blackpools two but the clubs have never met in the League Cup.
Stoke are set to make changes all over with Simonsen, Shotton, Cort, Higginbotham, Arismendi, Pugh, Tuncay and Lawrence all favourites to start with Carl Dickinson, Andy Griffin, Matt Lund, Michael Tonge, Tom Soares, Richard Cresswell and James Beattie vying for the other starts and Tony Pulis has one eye on Saturdays massive clash against Manchester United.
Irish international Liam Lawrence will make his 100th Stoke appearance if he features tonight. Uruguayan Diego Arismendi is set for his debut whilst Tuncay is ready for a full debut. Youngsters Nathaniel Wedderburn, Matthew Lund and Dave Parton could all make their debut at some point.
Prediction: The Potters come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory with goals from Tuncay and Cort