Leeds' most recent defeat was a 3-0 mauling at the hands of Watford on Tuesday night, the first time Leeds have lost at Vicarage Road since 1992. Michael Brown was the Whites stand out player as even at 37 years old, he still gave 100% until the final whistle.
Just three wins in 22 games in all competitions for the Whites sees them sitting just eight points from the relegation places with five games remaining. Blackpool have managed just two wins in 24 league games despite a tremendous start to the season. At one point this season the Tangerines led the way but currently sit 20th in the table, just three points from safety.
Barry Ferguson was installed as caretaker manager in January following the dismissal of Paul Ince. One win in 12 saw the former Manchester United midfielder relieved of his duties at Bloomfield Road but the actions of the board didn't stop the rot at Blackpool and they have only managed two wins since.
The Seasiders have received a whopping 10 red cards so far this season and are among the worst disciplined clubs in the Championship. With just six goals each, Ricardo Fuller and Tom Ince are the clubs joint leading scorers for the season. Ince has since been on loan to Crystal Palace since January and Blackpool have struggled for goals all season scoring just 35 in 41.
Blackpool's last victory came at home to the side that is bottom of the form table for the last six games when they beat Huddersfield 1-0 at Bloomfield Road. The Tangerines have already held Leeds to a draw this season when they met on Boxing Day but defeat at Elland Road could see them slip into the bottom three should Millwall win at home to Watford.
The sides met on Boxing Day this season with a deflected Tom Ince effort ruling out Lee Peltier's opener. Blackpool had lost four in a row going into the festive fixture and after the draw went on to lose a further four in a row. This was the start of a string of terrible results for the Whites as they have won just three games since.
Leeds have beaten Blackpool just once in the last five meetings with Blackpool in the Championship with the Seasiders taking victories on three occasions, including a 5-0 hammering at Elland Road. That was a night to forget for Whites fans but they will never forget Paul Rachubka for all the wrong reasons.
Blackpool have won just three away games all season but Leeds have lost their last two at home. The game on Saturday is the first at home for the Whites since Massimo Cellino took over the club and the fans are appealing to make Elland Road as full as possible as a thank you to the Italian.
The last time the sides met at Elland Road the Whites took all three points as Norris and Morison ensured Paul Ince wasn't going to have a comfortable start to his new job. Leeds will be hoping for a repeat this time around to cushion themselves from the relegation scrap.
The travelling fans at Watford let the team know what they think of them as they sang "you don't deserve your wages" in unison and later, quite rightly, booed the side off the pitch. The fans have been there in their thousands up and down the country this season but the players haven't been turning up until the game is out of reach.
Brian McDermott said he can no longer defend his players performances in the media as the side have been on the back of a number of heavy defeats. The club were in the play-off mix heading into Christmas but are now looking over their shoulder at the sides below them.
Saturdays game will kick off at 15:07 as a mark of respect to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives on April 15, 1989.
YNWA - JFT 96- MOT
Last meeting: December 26, 2013, Blackpool 1-1 Leeds United (Peltier)
At Elland Road: February 20, 2013, Leeds United 2-0 Blackpool (Norris & Morison) Last five league games: Leeds United LLLLL
Blackpool - WLDLL
Latest results - Watford 3-0 Leeds United / Blackpool 1-3 Derby County
Pictures courtesy of - Sky Sports, Daily Mail, Football 365 & the Express
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