Blackpool vs. Scunthorpe Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips

The historic Bloomfield Road in Blackpool sets the stage for a compelling FA Cup first-round encounter as League One’s Blackpool hosts National League’s Scunthorpe United on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This classic cup tie pits a higher-tier team against a formidable opponent from a lower division, creating the perfect recipe for drama, passion, and potential upset. In this comprehensive preview, we dive deep into the statistics, form guides, and tactical analysis to provide you with expert predictions and betting tips for this highly anticipated fixture.

Match Overview and Team News

The Stakes

The FA Cup remains football’s most beloved domestic cup competition, renowned for its magic and capacity for giant-killing acts. For Blackpool, currently navigating the challenges of League One, this match represents an opportunity to build momentum and progress in a prestigious tournament. For Scunthorpe United, who are competing in the National League (the fifth tier of English football), this is a chance to test themselves against professional opposition and potentially secure a lucrative cup run that could transform their season financially and morally.

Team News and Lineups

Blackpool

Blackpool has faced some recent challenges, with 9 losses in their last 17 matches across all competitions. However, they have demonstrated resilience at Bloomfield Road, securing 3 victories in their last 6 home matches. This home advantage could prove significant in this cup encounter.

The team will be without defender J. Husband, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury until late December 2025. This absence could impact their defensive solidity. Manager Simon Grayson will likely look to his experienced players, including captain Jay Spearing, to guide the team through this potential banana skin fixture.

In terms of attacking threat, Blackpool has scored 20 goals in their last 17 matches, averaging 1.18 goals per game. While not prolific, this demonstrates they possess enough firepower to trouble most opponents, particularly on home turf.

Scunthorpe United

Scunthorpe United arrives at Bloomfield Road with reason for optimism. They have made a positive start to their FA Cup campaign, winning their sole match in the competition. Their away form has been particularly impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last 11 road games  and securing 4 draws in their last 8 away matches.

However, they will be missing defender A. Boyce due to yellow card suspension , which could disrupt their defensive organization against higher-tier opposition.

Scunthorpe’s offensive record has been more impressive than their hosts, netting 32 goals in their last 17 outings at an average of 1.88 goals per game. This attacking potency, combined with their resilient away form, makes them a potentially dangerous opponent despite the difference in league positions.

Statistical Analysis and Form Guide

Recent Performance Breakdown

Table: Recent Form Comparison (Last 10 Games)

Home vs. Away Form Analysis

Blackpool Home Performance

At Bloomfield Road, Blackpool has shown moderate form in their last 10 home fixtures :

• Wins: 4 (40%)
• Draws: 3 (30%)
• Losses: 3 (30%)
• Both Teams to Score: 6 (60%)
• Over 2.5 Goals: 5 (50%)

Their home games have seen an average of 1.7 goals scored and 1.3 goals conceded per match, resulting in an average total of 3.0 goals per home game.

Scunthorpe United Away Performance

Scunthorpe’s away form has been notably strong in their last 10 road games :

• Wins: 5 (50%)
• Draws: 5 (50%)
• Losses: 0 (0%)
• Both Teams to Score: 8 (80%)
• Over 2.5 Goals: 3 (30%)

Their away matches have produced an average of 1.6 goals scored and 0.9 goals conceded, resulting in an average total of 2.5 goals per away game.

Head-to-Head Historical Record

The historical context between these clubs reveals some interesting patterns :

• In the last 15 meetings, Blackpool has won 9 times, with 3 draws and Scunthorpe claiming 3 victories.
• When playing at home against Scunthorpe, Blackpool has been particularly dominant, winning 6 of the last 8 encounters at Bloomfield Road, with 0 draws and 2 losses.
• The most common result in matches between these teams has been 1-0 to Blackpool, which has occurred in 3 matches.
• The goal difference in their last 15 meetings stands at 31-15 in favor of Blackpool.

Tactical Breakdown

Playing Styles and Key Metrics

Table: Team Statistical Comparison (Last 17 Games)

The statistical comparison reveals two teams with contrasting approaches. Scunthorpe United appears more proactive in attack, generating more shots, more dangerous attacks, and boasting a significantly higher shots on target percentage (45% vs 30%). Their offensive output is also reflected in their higher goals-per-game average (1.88 vs 1.18).

Blackpool, while less prolific in front of goal, maintains similar possession and passing accuracy statistics despite competing at a higher level. This suggests they are accustomed to facing tougher opposition in League One compared to Scunthorpe’s National League fixtures.

Defensively, Scunthorpe has been more resilient, conceding fewer goals on average (0.94 vs 1.41) , which is particularly impressive given they’ve played fewer games against fully professional outfits.

Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Expert Verdict

After analyzing all available data, current form, and historical context, our expert prediction leans toward a Blackpool victory, but with important caveats. While Scunthorpe’s impressive away form and unbeaten streak make them dangerous opponents, the gulf in divisions and Blackpool’s historical dominance at home against this opponent should ultimately prove decisive.

The most likely scoreline appears to be 2-1 to Blackpool , though a 2-0 victory  also features prominently in statistical models. The match is expected to be competitive, with Scunthorpe likely finding the net given their offensive capabilities and Blackpool’s defensive vulnerabilities (having conceded in each of their last seven matches).

Recommended Bets

Match Result: Blackpool to Win

• Probability: 67%
• Reasoning: Despite Scunthorpe’s impressive unbeaten away run, Blackpool’s home advantage and superior quality should ultimately prevail. They have a strong historical record against Scunthorpe at Bloomfield Road, winning 6 of the last 8 home encounters. The step up in opposition quality for Scunthorpe is significant, and Blackpool’s experience in dealing with professional outfits regularly in League One should be the differentiating factor.

Both Teams to Score: Yes

• Probability: 57%
• Reasoning: This recommendation is supported by several factors:
  • Scunthorpe has seen BTTS in 80% of their last 10 games  and 80% of their last 10 away matches.
  • Blackpool has conceded in each of their last seven matches.
  • Scunthorpe’s attacking statistics are impressive (1.88 goals per game) , suggesting they have the firepower to trouble Blackpool’s defense.
  • Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities recently, making it likely both will find the net.

Total Goals: Over 2.5

• Probability: 63%
• Reasoning: While this might seem counterintuitive given that some predictions suggest Under 2.5 goals , the statistical case for Over 2.5 is compelling. Blackpool’s home games have seen Over 2.5 goals in 50% of their last 10 matches , while the combination of Scunthorpe’s potent attack (2.0 goals per game in their last 10)  and both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities creates an environment conducive to goals.

Alternative Bet: Double Chance – 1X (Blackpool Win or Draw)

• Probability: 77%
• Reasoning: For more cautious bettors, this provides insurance against a potential draw while still offering value. Given Blackpool’s home advantage and Scunthorpe’s impressive away draw record (50% of their last 10 away games) , this represents a safer alternative while still maintaining favorable odds.

Speciality Markets

Correct Score Predictions

• 2-1 to Blackpool: 16% probability
• 2-0 to Blackpool: Multiple predictions
• 1-0 to Blackpool: Historical most common result between these teams

First Half Betting

• First Half Result: Draw: This has a confidence rating of 43.55% according to Oddspedia’s model. The analysis suggests neither team tends to dominate early, with their clashes averaging just over one goal in the first half.

First Goalscorer

• First Team to Score: Scunthorpe: Oddspedia gives this a confidence rating of 47.52% , citing Scunthorpe’s strong away form and Blackpool’s tendency to concede early.

Tactical Key Battles and Game-Changing Players

Key Player Matchups

Blackpool’s Attack vs Scunthorpe’s Defense

The battle between Blackpool’s attacking unit and Scunthorpe’s resolute defense will be crucial. Scunthorpe has conceded just 0.94 goals per game on average , but will face their toughest test against higher-tier opposition. How their backline, missing the suspended A. Boyce , copes with Blackpool’s professional attackers could decide the match.

Midfield Control

The midfield battle between Blackpool’s Jay Spearing  and Scunthorpe’s creative forces will be fascinating. Blackpool’s slightly higher pass accuracy (73% vs 72%)  might give them a marginal edge in possession, but Scunthorpe’s more direct approach and higher shot volume (11.71 per game vs 9.29)  could test Blackpool’s defensive organization.

Set-Piece Importance

With Blackpool averaging 3.53 corners per game and Scunthorpe averaging 3.94 , set-pieces could prove decisive. In what promises to be a tightly contested cup tie, dead-ball situations often provide the marginal gains needed to progress in the competition.

Weather Conditions and Venue Impact

The match will be played at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool, with a capacity of approximately 17,338 spectators. Weather forecasts suggest cool conditions of around 11°C , which should be comfortable for football and conducive to an open, entertaining match rather than one hampered by extreme weather conditions.

The FA Cup atmosphere, particularly with a potential giant-killing on the cards, should generate an electric environment at Bloomfield Road. How both teams handle the occasion could be as important as their technical and tactical capabilities.

Conclusion

This FA Cup first-round fixture promises to be an intriguing encounter between two teams with contrasting recent forms and different league statuses. Blackpool enters as the clear favorite based on their higher division status and strong historical home record against Scunthorpe. However, Scunthorpe United’s impressive unbeaten away run and potent attack make them far from pushovers.

Our final prediction:

• Match Outcome: Blackpool to win
• Correct Score: 2-1
• Both Teams to Score: Yes
• Total Goals: Over 2.5

The magic of the FA Cup often produces surprises, and Scunthorpe certainly has the credentials to cause problems. However, Blackpool’s quality and home advantage should ultimately see them through to the next round in what promises to be an entertaining, competitive cup tie.

Disclaimer: Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose. All statistics and probabilities are based on available data and should be considered as informed opinions rather than guarantees.