'They've invested in a lot of players' - Portsmouth coach makes prediction ahead of Blackpool visit

CJ Hamilton signed for Blackpool last summer. Picture: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

That’s the verdict of Pompey assistant-boss Joe Gallen, who believes the quality of the Seasiders’ team will see them clinch a top-10 finish in League One, if not a place in the play-offs.

Neil Critchley's side visit Fratton Park tomorrow with the Blues aiming to bounce back after a lacklustre 3-1 loss at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

Fourth-placed Pompey are favourites to deliver three points against a Blackpool outfit who sit 14th.

The Bloomfield Road outfit had a major overhaul in the summer, bringing in the likes of Luke Garbutt, Jerry Yates, CJ Hamilton, Kenny Dougall and Bez Lubala.

Meanwhile, they continued their recruitment in January, with ex-Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Kevin Stewart their marquee signing.

Gallen’s expecting a tight game against a Pool side who have scored 29 goals and conceded 26 from their 25 games so far.

And he's wary of the attacking prowess the visitors possess – particularly on the counter-attack.

Gallen said: ‘Blackpool have a lot of tight games. They haven't conceded many goals but haven't scored many either.

‘They can be a bit of a tough nut to crack and we need to brush up on our defending. We can't make the big mistakes like we did and need to get our pressing and closing down right.

‘Blackpool have some players that can catch you on the break. We have got to get that balance right between having enough in defence and attack. We need to get that right.

‘They have invested in a lot of players. Even Hamilton, who they got from Mansfield and Gary Madine. They have invested in their team and will be looking to be higher up the table.

‘They have a few games in hand and are playing catch-up a little bit. They're in slightly a false position and are, at the very least when they have all their players, a top-10 side and will be aiming for the play-offs.

‘I've been impressed by how they have played this season, managed to keep things tight and have some good attacking players.

‘Jerry Yates had a good season at Swindon, Madine, Ellis Simms from Everton, Kaikai and Hamilton, who is a good player but might not be fit.

‘They have got a lot of threats and it'll be a tight game.’

Pompey fell to a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture at Blackpool in December.