Pools boss to name strongest side against Leeds
CHRIS Turner will give another indication of the side likely to start the League One campaign when Leeds United descend on Victoria Park tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).
Turner named a potential first choice XI in Hartlepool United's second game in Holland against FC Den Bosch last week and is expected to use a similar line-up for the club's only home pre-season friendly tomorrow.
The director of sport wants to give his regulars the chance to gel ahead of the league opener against Rochdale on Saturday, August 7, with Pools facing just two more first-team friendlies – Whitley Bay on Wednesday and York on Saturday week.
Pools will definitely be without the suspended Gary Liddle at Rochdale, although the 24-year-old should stay in the starting XI tomorrow.
But the continued inclusion of on-trial trio Fabian Yantorno, Evan Horwood and Paul Murray hints at them being likely starters at Rochdale even though they are yet to agree permanent terms with the club.
"We'll play our strongest side tomorrow," said Turner.
"We don't want to be experimenting too far away from what we'll be doing in two weeks time against Rochdale.
"There's still a long time to go before the season starts to determine our starting line-up at Rochdale.
"But these friendlies come thick and fast. We've got three games in seven days against different types of opponents.
"All the time we're trying to assess players.
"But I'd foresee that the team who started the game against Den Bosch will be pretty much the team who starts on Saturday."
One player who started the game against Den Bosch but is a doubt for tomorrow's clash with the Championship new boys is James Brown.
The 23-year-old is struggling with a niggling knee injury, as is fellow striker Adam Boyd.
Club captain Ritchie Humphreys is definitely out as he recovers from a knee injury but could be involved in Tuesday's friendly at Garforth Town where Pools are expected to name a largely second string side.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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