Pools head into the top of the table clash at Plainmoor still searching for their first away win of 2021. Meanwhile, The Gulls are yet to win on home soil this calendar year despite remaining top of the table.
Dave Challinor has a few slight injury issues to contend with as Ryan Johnson and Jamie Sterry have been subject to late fitness tests while Luke Williams and club captain Ryan Donaldson haven’t made the 365-mile trip down to the English Riviera.
Here is the Pools line-up for this afternoon...
. Jamie Sterry, HUFC 1 - 0 SUFC, National League, Victoria Park 30-01-21. Picture by FRANK REID
Jamie Sterry in action for Hartlepool United. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
. LWB - David Ferguson
Will be hoping to stay as a wing-back and get licence to get forward despite hints of a potential formation change. Photo: Mark Fletcher
. CB - Ryan Johnson
Was a doubt after missing Tuesday's trip to The Shay. Starts this afternoon. Photo: Mark Fletcher
. CB - Gary Liddle
His long awaited return to the side has improved things at the back for Pools. Photo: Christopher Booth
. CB - Lewis Cass
Looks at home in a back three. Would be a shame to see him forced out wide due to injuries elsewhere in the side. Photo: Mark Fletcher
. RWB - Jamie Sterry
A doubt after suffering a thigh strain in Tuesday draw at Halifax. But his importance to the side cannot be understated for this top of the table clash. Photo: Frank Reid
2. LWB - David Ferguson
Will be hoping to stay as a wing-back and get licence to get forward despite hints of a potential formation change. Photo: Mark Fletcher
3. CB - Ryan Johnson
Was a doubt after missing Tuesday's trip to The Shay. Starts this afternoon. Photo: Mark Fletcher
4. CB - Gary Liddle
His long awaited return to the side has improved things at the back for Pools. Photo: Christopher Booth