United make the trip to Bloomfield Road to face Blackpool in the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday.
Here are all the details you need regarding the tie and our opponents:
MATCH DETAILS
Opponents – Blackpool
Competition – Emirates FA Cup
Location – Bloomfield Road
Date – Sunday 7 December
Time – 5:30pm
FACTFILE
Founded – 1887
Nickname – The Tangerines
Manager – Ian Evatt
Previous season finish – 9th in Sky Bet League One
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS:
Mark Hughes: “We’re going in with confidence, which is ideal for a lower-league team going up against higher-league opposition. It’s a big day, with a massive following, and we want to give a good account of ourselves. It’s a free shot for us, really.”
Read more from our Head Coach HERE!
Regan Linney: “I obviously wanted Blackpool and I managed to get them. It's going to be a special game. A lot of my family are Preston and I’m from there myself so it adds a little bit of spice."
More words from the United forward HERE!
OPPOSITION PLAYER TO WATCH
Ashley Fletcher has been one of Blackpool’s brighter contributors in a difficult 2025/26 campaign, scoring eight goals in all competitions as Ian Evatt’s side battles at the lower end of the table. The 30-year-old forward has offered valuable experience up front, often providing a much-needed outlet in a struggling attack.
Fletcher joined Blackpool in 2024, bringing with him a career that has taken in spells with clubs including West Ham, Sunderland and New York Red Bulls. His experience across different levels and leagues has added a calmness and reliability that has proved important for the Tangerines during a challenging season.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Saturday 13 April 2024 – Carlisle United 0-1 Blackpool
Saturday 9 December 2023 - Blackpool 3-0 Carlisle United
Tuesday 15 October 2019 - Carlisle United 2-1 Blackpool (Leasing.com Trophy)
Saturday 11 February 2017 - Carlisle United 1-4 Blackpool
Saturday 17 September 2016 - Blackpool 2-2 Carlisle United
RECENT RESULTS
Tuesday 2 December 2025 – Harrogate Town 4-2 Blackpool (Vertu Trophy)
Saturday 29 November 2025 – Blackpool 0-3 Reading
Saturday 22 November 2025 – Leyton Orient 1-1 Blackpool
Saturday 15 November 2025 – Burton Albion 1-0 Blackpool
Tuesday 11 November 2025 – Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Blackpool (Vertu Trophy)
TICKET AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
We will be backed by 3,500 of you at Bloomfield Road on Sunday – thank you for your outstanding support!
Entry and Exit: United supporters will enter through South East turnstiles 15-21, depending on which stand you are located in. You will exit the stadium on either Bloomfield Road or Henry Street.
Away Pubs: The Blues’ designated away pubs are The Manchester, The Castle Pub and The New Philly.
Supporter Coaches: Coaches will be parked on Central Drive.
For more travel information, click HERE!
HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN
The game is available to watch on TNT Sports and discovery+, while also being shown in the Northern Competitions Fan Zone at Brunton Park.
UK-based supporters will be able to listen to the game on BBC Radio Cumbria via BBC Sounds. Non-UK residents can also hear the commentary via BBC.com and the BBC App.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee - Tom Reeves
Assistant Referee 1 - Matthew Parry
Assistant Referee 2 - Mark Ryder
Fourth Official - Peter Wright