FC Halifax Town v Hartlepool United: Opposition focus

How have Hartlepool started the season?
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Hartlepool United so far. After winning their opening three matches, the side have suffered a significant downturn in form with just three wins from their last 10 National League matches, including six defeats. 
Still, with the National League table so tight at the moment, they’re just two points off the play-offs so it’s not quite all doom and gloom just yet! 
But heavy defeats against Torquay United and Woking show there are significant weaknesses in the side that the right opposition could potentially expose. 

Key players so far this season?
Midfielder Gavan Holohan is the side’s top scorer so far this season with four goals to his name, he certainly poses an attacking threat from the middle of the park. 
Full-backs David Ferguson and Lewis Cass are also really important to the way Pools play as they’re the players who look to provide the width and get balls into the box. The pair have six assists between them so far this season. 

Does the league position fairly reflect performances so far?
I’d say so. After a good start, it’s been very up and down ever since so a midtable position is about right at the moment even if the league is still yet to properly settle down following a lot of postponements and rearrangements. 

What can Halifax expect to come up against?
Pools always look to play high up and push forward. They’re centre-backs are fast and will often push toward the halfway line knowing that they can cover ground quickly should the opposition look to counter. 
As mentioned, the full-backs are important out wide as they put balls into the box for the forward players. Recently, we’ve seen a slight change in formation to more of a 4-4-2 from Pools but usually they’d be looking to play a 4-3-3. 

Can Hartlepool push for the play-offs this season?
They can, whether they will is a different story. The side need to start showing some consistency in their displays if they are to really mount a play-off challenge this season. 
They’ve got plenty of capable players on their day but they’re not quite performing to their best on a regular basis at the moment. 

Who will be your dangerman on Saturday?
We should expect a bit of rotation from Hartlepool given that it’s the FA Trophy. Luke Armstrong has recently arrived from Salford City with a good record for scoring goals in the National League. 
He scored twice on his debut against King’s Lynn Town and has netted 12 goals in his last 18 starts in the fifth tier. 
Other than that, Luke Molyneux and the aforementioned Holohan are also potential attacking threats from midfield should they feature. 
17-year-old forward Joe Grey has also burst into the first team this season. He’s still very raw and could be easily outmuscled but he’s technically excellent and will always try to make things difficult for defenders. 

Injuries/suspensions?
Gary Liddle will miss the game with a long-term groin injury. He’s the only expected absentee. 
Luke Williams, who came off the bench at The Shay last season in what was his long awaited league debut for Pools after signing in 2018.
Injuries have meant Williams has made just one further substitute appearance in the league since but it is hoped he could come back into contention this weekend. 
Likely line up and formation?
After last weekend’s disappointment at Woking, it’s fair to expect a significant shake up for Hartlepool. 
They could revert to playing their usual 4-3-3 formation although the players available may lend itself better to staying as a 4-4-2. 
I’d expect a recall for Henrich Ravas in goal as well as Tyler Magloire in defence. Tom Crawford, Ryan Donaldson, Joe Grey, David Parkhouse and former Halifax Town man Josh MacDonald could also come in. 
MacDonald has made just one start for Pools this season in the FA Cup and has scarcely made the matchday squad so far. 
Pools predicted XI: Ravas; Ferguson, Odusina, Maglroie, Cass; Featherstone, Donaldson, Crawford; MacDonald, Parkhouse, Grey.

Follow all the action from Saturday’s game on our live blog with Town writer Tom Scargill at www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/football/halifax-town