Following Tuesday evening’s comeback win over Colchester, Hartlepool United travel to Walsall looking to make it nine games unbeaten in League Two. With Pools’ away form firmly on track after goals from Omar Bogle and Isaac Fletcher, Graeme Lee’s side will travel to the West Midlands full of confidence.
Fan information
https://www.saddlers.co.uk/club/visitors-guide/
The Opposition
Walsall are currently 17th in League Two, seven points clear of second-bottom Carlisle and nine points behind Pools. They’ve won two of their last five matches, and we’re hammered 5-0 by Swindon last time out. Their recent form also features wins over Tranmere and league leaders Forest Green alongside defeats to Scunthorpe and Northampton.
Led by recently installed head coach Michael Flynn, the Saddlers side features former Premier League talent in defender Stephen Ward, a former Poolie in Devante Rodney, and top scorer this season, George Miller.
The History
This is the 55th first-class meeting between the sides, and the previous statistics couldn’t be closer. Pools and Walsall have won 18 games each, and 18 draws have also been played out. Earlier in the season, Pools were victorious at home after goals from Tyler Burey and Nicky Featherstone, and before that, four consecutive draws were played between the sides.
Pools’ coach Tony Sweeney has netted on three previous occasions against the Saddlers, Michael Nelson has scored once, and commentary guest Adam Boyd has got goals against them in 2004 and 2005.
Team News
Tuesday saw Zaine Francis-Angol and Martin Smith both deputised at right-back for Pools, and Graeme Lee will want to see Jamie Sterry and Reagan Ogle available quickly to solve that dilemma. Neill Byrne’s yellow card means that he’ll miss the game, with Gary Liddle and Jake Hull both available to fill in for the virtual ever-present this season.
Competition for places in the midfield areas is also high, with Bryn Morris hopeful of a return to injury, Gavan Holohan trying to get back into the side, and Isaac Fletcher pushing for a start after his match-winning contribution on Tuesday.
How to Follow
If you’re not travelling to Walsall on Saturday, you can follow all the action on iFollow. Coverage starts shortly before kick-off and you can also get live updates via Facebook and Twitter. Purchase your audio pass here: