Preview: Harrogate Town vs. Hartlepool United - prediction, team news, lineups

The sides are currently only separated by one place in the table, after both experiencing poor starts to the season.

Match preview

In what is their third full season in League Two, Harrogate have started poorly, only acquiring eight points from their opening 12 matches.

Having played fairly well in their opening fixtures, acquiring seven points from their first four games, things were looking bright for the Sulphurites, but a recent run of eight games without a win has seen them plummet down the league standings.

Their form leaves them 22nd in the table, just one place above the dreaded relegation zone, and ahead of 23rd-place Rochdale on goal difference.

The main issue for Simon Weaver's side this season has been scoring goals, with only eight to their name so far, the joint-second worst record in the league.

Most recently, Harrogate suffered a particularly disappointing 2-1 loss away at fellow strugglers Colchester United, with the result meaning The U's rose above them in the league.

If the Sulphurites do not wish to be drawn into a relegation battle, performances across the pitch will need to drastically improve on Saturday, which is a good opportunity to end their winless run, given their opponents are also at the wrong end of the League Two table

Indeed, Hartlepool have struggled to find their feet in their second season back in League Two, currently in 21st on nine points, having also played 13 games, one more than the other teams around them.

Much of this record is down to some dismal defensive displays, having conceded the most goals in the league, 23 at this early stage of the season.

Away form will also be a concern for manager Keith Curle, picking up just two points from six away trips and conceding 15 goals on the road.

However, since Curle's arrival in September, the M Hangers have somewhat improved, getting a good 2-2 draw at Mansfield Town which they followed up with a 2-1 home win against Doncaster Rovers.

In their last match though, Hartlepool returned to their old ways, losing 3-1 at home to Carlisle United, and so they will be eager to bounce back with a win on Saturday.

Harrogate Town League Two form:

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Harrogate Town form (all competitions):

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Hartlepool United League Two form:

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Hartlepool United form (all competitions):

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Team News

Josh Falkingham and Warren Burrell came on for the improved second-half display against Colchester on Saturday, and so the pair may keep their places in the side.

Elsewhere, Weaver is likely to stick by midfielder Alexander Pattison, who has been one bright spark for the Sulphurites this season, weighing in with three goals and two assists.

Also looking poised to start in midfield is Matty Daly, who has played a part in every League Two game this season, and notched two goals.

Daniel Grant may get some minutes in attack, with the forward forcing his way into his manager's plans after scoring against Everton Under-21s in the EFL trophy, then following it up with an assist against Colchester.

For Hartlepool, Jack Hamilton went off with a knock last time out and may be unavailable for Saturday's game.

Another player in danger of missing out is Rollin Menayese, who is currently struggling with an ankle injury that ruled him out of the last game.

Joshua Umerah has been impressive since signing from Wealdstone in the summer, with six goals in 12 games, and he is set to start again in attack.

Harrogate Town possible starting lineup:

Jameson; Headley, Burrell, McArdle, Ramsay; Armstrong, Falkingham, Daly, Grant; Muldoon, Pattison

Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:

Killip, Tumilty, Murray, Lacey, Ferguson; Oduor, Sylla, Crawford, MacDonald; Ndjoli, Umerah

We say: Harrogate Town 0-1 Hartlepool United

With Hartlepool slightly improving since appointing Curle, we think that they will do just enough to win this one, in a closely-fought game. Umerah is likely to be the difference-maker if there is to be one, given his impressive start to the season.

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