Our Hartlepool United writer Robbie Stelling has taken a look at five players who could be given the chance to impress when Pools begin their bid to make it to Wembley for the first time ever on Saturday.
1. Danny Johnson
With Alex Reid, still only recently returned from a hamstring injury, likely to be rested, the experienced frontman will be desperate to end a miserable run of 21 games without a goal since signing for Pools. Although the 30-year-old has endured a nightmarish start to his Pools career, his goalscoring record speaks for itself and he still possesses obvious qualities, providing Nicky Featherstone's side can play to his strengths. There won't be many better chances for Johnson to end his goal-drought. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Louis Stephenson
The young defender, who remains a hugely popular figure at Victoria Park, was recalled from his loan spell at National League North side Buxton this week and it's hard to imagine the logic behind the decision unless he's set to make his first Pools appearance of the season at the weekend. The 20-year-old, who scored once in 10 games for the Bucks, remains a player with plenty of potential but he will need to start progressing his career if he's to realise it at Pools. With Jay Benn struggling for form, the door could soon be open for Stephenson if he can make his mark on Saturday. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Pharrell Brown
The Hull loanee could be set for his first start of the season on Saturday having looked lively during four substitute appearances so far this term. Given Featherstone's links to Hull, he will surely be eager to make sure Brown's loan move proves worthwhile for all parties. With Jermaine Francis, who could well have been set to start, suspended following his red card against Yeovil, Brown might be given the chance to state his case for more regular inclusion at the weekend. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Campbell Darcy
Much like Louis Stephenson, the versatile teenager was recalled from his loan this week following an impressive spell at Northern Premier League Premier Division side Hebburn Town. Capable of operating at centre-half, full-back or in midfield, where he spent most of his time for the Hornets, the teenager has never started a game for Pools but looked pretty assured in pre-season and has received rave reviews from the likes of skipper Tom Parkes, who hailed him as "a brilliant footballer", last term. Photo: Frank Reid