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

While the hosts sit just two points clear of the bottom two, Colchester are not much higher in the table in 18th, five points ahead of Hartlepool.

Match preview

When Hartlepool lost 5-0 at home to Stockport County on December 3, there were naturally concerns that the North-East outfit could remain favourites for relegation until the summer.

Since then, however, 10 points have been collected from seven matches, a run which has included three wins, and Keith Curle's side are now very much back in contention to remain in the division.

Two of the three victories have come versus Rochdale, who now occupy bottom spot, while the other was by a 2-0 scoreline versus a Crawley Town team who sit in 21st position.

Although Hartlepool went down at fourth-placed Carlisle United last time out, Curle's players gave a good account of themselves in a 3-1 defeat.

While some of the teams around them have matches in hand, Hartlepool know that each win could prove to be decisive as they bid to heap pressure on their rivals.

From Colchester's perspective, they have also put together an improved run of form with 13 points being collected from seven games.

Matt Bloomfield's side also came from behind to earn a share of the spoils with promotion-chasing Salford last time out, and there is a feeling that the U's are not far away from moving out of a relegation scrap.

Colchester have produced remarkable improvements away from their home ground, initially posting 10 defeats in 11 away fixtures before recording three victories in succession.

Each of those successes came against rivals at the wrong end of the table, a record that Hartlepool will be wary of ahead of Saturday's encounter.

Hartlepool United League Two form:

W

L

D

L

W

L

Hartlepool United form (all competitions):

L

D

L

L

W

L

Colchester United League Two form:

L

W

W

W

L

D

Team News

After defeat in midweek, Curle will give consideration to tinkering with his Hartlepool XI, with Jamie Sterry potentially returning at right-back.

Mohamad Sylla should also be restored to the midfield, possibly alongside Wesley McDonald who can offer more of an attacking threat.

Tom Dallison-Lisbon is expected to miss out for Colchester after needing to be withdrawn during the first half versus Salford on Tuesday night.

New signing Fiacre Kelleher took his place on that occasion and appears in line to be drafted in for his first start, particularly after he also got on the scoresheet.

Matt Jay may take the spot of John Akinde, but the rest of the team could stay the same.

Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:

Killip; Sterry, Menayese, Hartley, Pruti, Ferguson; Sylla, Featherstone, MacDonald; Umerah, Hamilton

Colchester United possible starting lineup:

O'Hara; Chambers, Kelleher, Hall; Tchamadeu, Skuse, Read, Wood; Chilvers; Akinde, Tovide

We say: Hartlepool United 2-1 Colchester United

Although it was not so long ago when Colchester were on a winning streak, that has now changed. Hartlepool's last two defeats have come to form teams, and we feel that they may be able to battle their way to a narrow success in front of their own supporters this weekend.

Previews by email