Basement battlers Hartlepool United will attempt to get back to winning ways in League Two this weekend, when they take on Stockport County at the Suit Direct Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts come into this one off the back of a defeat to Barrow, while the visitors travel to County Durham following a loss to Leyton Orient at home.
Match preview
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Hartlepool have been poor in 2022-23 so far, finding themselves propping up the League Two table with just 12 points from 19 matches.
Keith Curle has slightly improved the fortunes of the Pools since replacing Paul Hartley at the helm in September, though they are still inside the relegation zone which will worry supporters.
Last time out in the league, Hartlepool were left frustrated in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Barrow, with goals from Josh Gordon, Ben Whitfield and Billy Waters condemning them to a second loss in succession in the division, despite a Christopher Missilou reply.
Nevertheless, Hartlepool did book a place in the third round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 triumph over Harrogate Town last weekend which they will take confidence from going into the Stockport fixture.
With a victory against Stockport, Curle and his men could actually move out of the relegation slots should other results go their way on Saturday.
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Stockport have enjoyed a slightly more productive 2022-23 campaign, occupying 14th in the table with 25 points from 19 fixtures fulfilled this year under Dave Challinor.
Since coming up from the National League in 2021-22, the Hatters have acclimatised well to life in League Two and could make a charge for the playoff places if they mildly improve their consistency of results.
Nevertheless, a 2-1 loss to Leyton Orient at Edgeley Park was a missed opportunity for Stockport, succumbing to strikes from Darren Pratley and Omar Beckles despite a Myles Hippolyte opener.
In the FA Cup second round last Saturday, Stockport secured a credible 2-2 draw away to Charlton Athletic, setting up a replay tie next Wednesday evening.
Should Stockport claim all three points against Hartlepool, they could move as high as 10th in League Two, depending on other results.
Team News
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Hartlepool may opt to name a fairly similar side from the one that brought them success in the victory over Harrogate in the FA Cup last weekend.
Goalkeeper Alex Cairns could start once again if his emergency loan deal is extended due to an injury crisis between the sticks, while Nicky Featherstone and Mohammed Sylla may partner in midfield, following an impressive controlled performance against Harrogate from the pair.
Josh Umerah is destined to lead the attack due to his goalscoring exploits in the cup, while Alex Lacey and Reghan Tumilty are both at risk of suspension if they are booked during the match.
Stockport also come into this one with a strong squad available to them, though could make a couple changes as they eye an important league victory.
Myles Hippolyte could gain a start in attack following his impressive display and goal away to Charlton, while Antoni Sarcevic could claim a place in midfield at the expense of Callum Camps.
Paddy Madden may also start up front for the Hatters, while Chris Hussey will once again play from the beginning on the left side of a back three.
Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:
Cairns; Tumilty, Menayese, Ferguson, Oduor; Sylla, Featherstone; Hastie, Missilou, Cooke; Umerah
Stockport County possible starting lineup:
Hinchliffe; Wright, Lewis; Hussey; Southam-Hales, Collar, Sarcevic, Croasdale, Rydel; Madden, Hippolyte
We say: Hartlepool United 1-1 Stockport County
In a match with permutations in the lower half of the division, we expect both sides to go full throttle as they seek some much needed momentum.
On this occasion, it will be impossible to pick the teams apart, leaving them with a point apiece in this League Two encounter.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
