Blackpool boss Neil Critchley says he will not underestimate Carlisle United today despite the Blues' lowly position.

United return to action in 22nd place as they take on Critchley's eighth-placed Seasiders at Bloomfield Road.

And the home boss says that, despite their status in the relegation zone, the Blues have shown their potential at times this season.

"Paul Simpson has done a brilliant job," said Critchley. "He's a very experienced football manager and I know him from his time at the FA - I know he did a brilliant job there with the younger England players.

"Getting Carlisle promoted was a great achievement, I watched the game at Wembley last season and I was delighted for him.

"Carlisle have shown what they are capable of this season, they went to Bolton and won which was a fantastic result, [and] they drew with Charlton which is another good result.

"So they're more than capable of getting a result as is any team in this division."

Blackpool head into the game in good form having won four of their last five games in all competitions.

They did, though, slip up in their most recent home league game when Northampton Town won 2-1 at Bloomfield Road.

Critchley, speaking to his club's website, added: "Any time you play, you have to be competitive.

"I was speaking to the Barnsley manager about that after the [Bristol Street Motors Trophy] game in midweek - the competitive element of every game is huge and sometimes it's fine margins.

"The line is very thin between winning and losing - our last home league game was against Northampton and it's up to us to respond now against Carlisle."

Experienced goalscorer Jordan Rhodes was rested for the midweek game but he is likely to return for Critchley's side against United.