Hartlepool face their first home game of the season as Doncaster Rovers visit Victoria Park.
Match Preview
Pools grabbed a morale boosting win at Scunthorpe on Tuesday night and will look to bring this form into the game tomorrow.
Doncaster boss Sean O’Driscoll has splashed the cash over the summer including spending £200,000 on Bournemouth’s James Hayter. They were one of the pre season favourites but they were held at home by Milwall in the season opener last weekend.
They got their first win of the season on Tuesday night as they beat Lincoln City 4-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium in the Carling Cup.
Pools boss Danny Wilson expects a tough game at the Vic ‘I think Doncaster could be one of the toughest games we will play. I rate Doncaster very highly indeed. I have watched them a couple of times where they played very well and they have a lot of quality,’
He also said to the Hartlepool Mail that Pools must play their best if they want to win “We will really have to be on our mettle on Saturday if we want to get the three points.’
Hartlepool Team News:
Ali Gibb begins his 3 match ban after being sent off on Tuesday night but Pools have no other injury worries. Andy Monhouse is still serving his 5 match ban.
Player to watch: David Foley
The young striker scored twice in midweek and will look to impress again tomorrow. Whether he starts or comes on as a sub he`ll sure to be a danger upfront.
Doncaster Team News:
Former Poolie James Coppinger will have a late fitness test on his knee but Matthew Mills is still suspended for the game.
Player to watch: Martin Woods
Woods spent time on loan at Pools in September 2004 and will be looking to improve on his last visit to the Vic when he recieved a red card for Rotherham.
Match Facts & Stats
In the 49 games at Victoria Park Pools have a good record over Doncaster, Doncaster have only left the Vic with 3 points on 11 occasions. They did win the last meeting of the sides when they ran out 3-1 winners in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last season which they later went on to win.
Match Prediction:
Even though Donny are a good team I think we’ll bring our good performance from last week and turn it into 3 points tomorrow.
Next Fixtures:
Pools travel to Port Vale next weekend before the Carling Cup game at Sheffield Wednesday on the 28th.
Any chance that Jan Budtz may be facing his old club?
It’s a toss up between each of our keepers but i think Budtz may get the nod tomorrow.