MANAGER Peter Jackson is optimistic that Martin McIntosh will be back to bolster Town's revenge mission to Blackpool.
A groin strain kept the Scottish defender out of Saturday's FA Cup clash between the pair, which the Tangerines won 1-0.
But the seasoned 35-year-old is responding well to treatment and is set for a return to full training as the countdown to the League I meeting continues.
The return of McIntosh would be one of two changes to the defence and at least three to the starting side, given the one-match bans incurred by right-back Andy Holdsworth and skipper and midfielder Jon Worthington.
"With (left-back) Danny Adams only halfway through his (four-match) suspension and Pawel Abbott and Tom Clarke both out injured, the squad is stretched," said Jackson.
"We were frustrated by the two bookings, especially Jon's, but both he and Andy have hit the five yellow cards mark and there's no point in complaining about it.
"It's a chance for others to come in and stake their claim."
The five-man midfield has proved successful for Town in recent away games, but the unavailability of Worthington and Clarke, the two players best suited to the defensive engine-room role, means Jackson may opt for 4-4-2, with Luke Beckett and Andy Booth up front.
Holdsworth's right-back slot could go to Aaron Hardy or David Mirfin, who was due to play for the Reserves in this afternoon's clash with Walsall at the Galpharm.
Hamstring victim Chris Brandon was also set for a run-out.
