Hartlepool United face Brighton & Hove Albion at Victoria Park in League One tomorrow
Match Preview
Brighton travel to Hartlepool looking to overcome a Pools side still mourning the tragic loss of Michael Maidens. Hartlepool have not played since they beat Bristol Rovers two weeks ago while Brighton lost at home to Leeds last weekend despite matching the Yorkshire side for most of the game.
Hartlepool boss Danny Wilson told the Northern Echo that he hopes his squad can pay tribute to Michael Maidens on Saturday “We are shattered at what has happened and that is an understatement.”
Wilson played 135 times in a 4 year stint with the Seagulls and he hopes that people remember Michael fondly “Michael was an outstanding young lad. Everyone says after tragedies like this what a lovely person he was but he was genuinely an outstanding boy.”
“He was polite, and very respectful to everyone he met, not just at the football club, and he will be sadly missed.”
Albion boss Dean Wilkins admitted that he faces selection problems after a good effort against Leeds last weekend “I want to try and keep it as settled as we can.” he told The Argus.
“We have, after all, been playing well and been on a good run. The defeat by Leeds last week was a good performance, so we mustn’t forget that.”
“We’ve got a very good atmosphere going at the moment, and we have to try and continue that.”
Hartlepool Team News:
Ian Moore is suspended after he picked up his fifth booking of the season against Bristol Rovers. Antony Sweeney and Michael Mackay have both been impressive for the reserves and could be involved.
Player to watch: Ritchie Barker
Barker played for Brighton back in 1997 and spent two years with the Seagulls, the big man will try and prove that he still has it a decade on.
Brighton & Hove Albion Team News:
Dean Cox is back from suspension while Nicky Forster and Guy Butters are back in contention after coming through a reserve match unscathed.
George O’Callaghan will definitely miss the trip north, the on-loan player has returned to Ipswich for further treatment on a hamstring injury.
Player to watch: Dean Hammond
Albion skipper Hammond has already scored 4 times this season and Pools will need to keep an eye on the influential midfielder.
Match Facts & Stats
The last meeting of the two sides was at the Withdean back in 2004 when Brighton ran out 2-0 winners. The last 4 games at the Vic have ended in draws, 3 of them ending 0-0.
Match Prediction:
All the stats would point to a draw, two evenly matched teams who should cancel each other out but there are special circumstances on Saturday.
With this in mind i’m predicting a 2-1 win with Barker and Mackay to score. One thing for sure is that it’s going to be an emotional day.
Hartlepool 2-1 Brighton
Next Fixtures:
Pools travel to Milwall next weekend while Brighton welcome Luton Town to the Withdean.
