Here are 10 things to look out for ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy clash with Tamworth. Will you be at the Prestige Group Stadium this weekend?
5. New arrivals Kazenga LuaLua and Matthew Bondswell could have a point to prove
Both Kazenga LuaLua and Matthew Bondswell have found opportunities hard to come by since signing for Pools last month. LuaLua has made just three substitute appearances while Bondswell's only outing so far came as an 82nd minute substitute against Solihull Moors. Both David Ferguson and Joe Grey have played a lot of football in the opening four months of the campaign - Ferguson has been involved in all but one his side's matches, while Grey has featured in all 23 games so far this term - and both would probably benefit from a rest. That could well open the door for LuaLua and Bondswell to make their first starts. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Pools will look to exploit Tamworth's poor form away from home
Tamworth's artificial surface at The Lamb Ground has helped make them a real force to be reckoned with in Staffordshire this season. Five of their seven National League wins have come on home turf. However, the Lambs have found things much more difficult on the road and have mustered just two wins and a draw from their nine league away games so far this term. Pools will be hoping to exploit Tamworth's homesickness and progress to the next round. Yet Lennie Lawrence and his side should not get carried away - the Lambs beat League One strugglers Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium in the FA Cup second round last time out. Photo: Getty Images
7. Gary Madine could be set to start his fourth Pools game
Experienced frontman Gary Madine could be set to start his fourth Pools game, and his first under Lennie Lawrence. The 34-year-old scored for the first time in 23 months when he came off the bench to make it 2-0 against AFC Fylde and looked sharp after returning from an ankle injury. After years of battling with injuries, Madine looks like he could be getting back into the condition that saw him score goals at Championship level. Mani Dieseruvwe could be due a rest, meaning Madine might well get the chance to take another step towards full fitness. Photo: FRANK REID 2024
8. Pools will need to keep Lambs frontman Dan Creaney quiet
Powerful striker Dan Creaney has proved a handful for National League defences so far this season and put himself about well when Pools visited The Lamb Ground back in August. The 30-year-old has been in decent scoring form since then and has bagged seven goals in his last 12 games. Whether he'll start remains to be seen, given that Andy Peaks might be keen to rest some of his most influential performers. Even so, Pools will need to be mindful of the combative frontman, either from the start or coming off the bench. Photo: Frank Reid