After an enforced break, Hartlepool United are ready to return to National League action as they host Ebbsfleet United at the Suit Direct Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The Lowdown
Pools are going through a tough run of form currently, winning just two of their last 13 matches in all competitions. Recent results have seen them fall from the play-off places to 14th in the league, five points off Aldershot in seventh.
Ebbsfleet are five places and five points behind Pools in 19th. Led by German manager Dennis Kutrieb, the Fleet side features former Pools striker Rakish Bingham and former Liverpool starlet Jordan Ibe.
The History
The sides have met just six times in the past, and Pools are yet to win against Saturday's guests. Ebbsfleet have won four times, with two matches ending in a draw. Last time out, Ebbsfleet ran out 1-0 winners, with Gozie Ugwu's penalty the difference. Josh Umerah played for Fleet in that fixture.
Team News
Pools are still besieged by injuries, with Alex Lacey now out for an expected 10-week period. Dan Dodds and Anthony Mancini also remain out of action, though Mancini has now returned to light running.
Josh Umerah and Luke Hendrie are both touch-and-go for the fixture after coming off against Rochdale last time out.
Kieran Wallace and Callum Cook are both available for selection after returning to full training this week, having recovered from their long-term injuries.
New signing Mitch Hancox is available to feature after joining on loan from York City.
How to Follow
Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office in the lead up to kick-off.
If you're not joining us at the Suit Direct, you can follow the action via National League TV here. Match passes cost £9.50 and grant you access to all streamed fixtures on the given day. Please note that matches at 3pm on a Saturday are not streamed in the UK, so audio-only coverage is available.
