Blackpool face another difficult challenge against Premier League opposition as Everton come to Bloomfield Road on Sunday. The Seasiders have had an interesting pre-season campaign so far with a simple win at Southport followed up by a heavy defeat to Leeds United.
A week away at a Scotland training camp looks to have paid dividends with a much-improved performance in the narrow loss to Rangers before a disappointing first-half display was turned around in the second half to defeat Salford last time out.
Now, Michael Appleton will have a clear idea of who will play a part in the Championship season opener against Reading as he hinted at playing his strongest side against Frank Lampard's men before a midweek trip to AFC Fylde where rotation players will get valuable minutes.
Blackpool remain without Jordan Gabriel and James Husband, both of whom are likely to miss the start of the season through injury, whilst Kevin Stewart and Jake Beesley will both also miss the opening day with stress fractures of the foot.