As 2018 turns into 2019, Blackpool and their fans should look back on the first half of the season and be pretty happy with what they have seen. 

Under Terry McPhillips, the Tangerines have re-established themselves as a decent third-tier side after another turbulent period and positioned themselves well for a play-off push in 2019.

They sit in tenth place with 26 matches played and on 35 points, ten behind Doncaster Rovers who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

A rocky patch has disrupted their form of late, but they have the perfect chance to build some real momentum this weekend away from the league.

Premier League giants Arsenal will be coming to the seaside for the third-round of the FA Cup and McPhillips will undoubtedly be dreaming of a huge upset.

But he will also have some selection dilemmas after a busy Christmas period that has seen them pick up just one point from three matches.

Does he rest key men for a league charge? Or go for it against the Gunners?

Here is how we think he SHOULD set-up his side...

Howard should retain his spot in the sticks.

His presence at the back has been crucial to the Seasiders' rigid defence and against a side of Arsenal's calibre that will be crucial.

McPhillips should stick to the back-three shape that has served him so well.

On the right-hand side of that should be Paudie O'Connor.

The Leeds United loanee has done well since arriving in the summer and should retain his spot for the Gunners clash.

In the middle, Donervon Daniels should keep his spot.

He has been linked with a move away from Bloomfield Road in recent weeks but for a clash of this magnitude, you want your best players playing.

A return for Tilt should be on the cards as well.

Like Daniels, he is likely to be subject to a lot of interest this January but again, he is one of their best players.

This strong back three could be the key to any upset against the Gunners.

At right wing-back should be Nottingham.

Midfielder Chris Taylor has played in that role in recent weeks, but somebody who is more of a natural down that flank would be a better fit against Unai Emery's troops.

In central-midfield, McPhillips should stick with his trusted midfield pair.

One of whom will be Callum Guy who has been a trusted controlling presence and should definitely be in the starting XI tomorrow.

Of course, Jay Spearing should start.

The former Liverpool and Bolton man has shaken off an injury in recent weeks but McPhillips would be a fool not to pick his captain.

Over at left wing-back will be Bola.

The 21-year-old will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing his former club after being released in the summer and that should guarantee him a start.

Up in right-wing we should see Delfouneso.

The versatile forward has been employed on the left in recent weeks but should be moved to the other side in order to accommodate some rotation.

Dodoo should be starting on the left.

His pace is superior to that of Liam Feeney's and could be vital against what is an often shaky and unreliable Arsenal back line.

Leading the line should be Gnanduillet.

The big striker will prove a real handful for the Gunner's defence and McPhillips should be telling his striker to make a real nuisance of himself.