Hartlepool United make three changes for much-anticipated visit of Altrincham

It's unclear whether Nicky Featherstone is set to stick with a 3-4-3 formation or revert back to a 4-2-3-1 ahead of a momentous afternoon for Pools, who are gearing up for their first home game since American businessman and investor Landon Smith completed his takeover of the club on New Year's Eve.

Skipper Tom Parkes, who hasn't featured since Boxing Day, returns to the side in place of the suspended Cameron John while Jack Hunter is restored to the engine room, with Matty Daly dropping to the bench. Goalkeeper Nick Hayes, who completed a permanent move from play-off chasing Southend on Thursday, makes his debut in-between the sticks. The 26-year-old was part of both the Solihull Moors and Shrimpers sides who were beaten in National League play-off finals, while he made 26 appearances for champions Barnet last term.

Parkes could line up in a number of positions against an Altrincham side who arrive in the North East having lost all of their last five matches; the veteran could be set to operate at centre-back, left-back or as part of a back three.

Meanwhile, Hunter, who has started 10 of the last 12 National League games under Featherstone, looks likely to line up alongside Nathan Sheron in midfield, with Jamie Miley operating in a slightly more advanced role.

Jay Benn, who has struggled for form in recent weeks, continues at right-back while Maxim Kougoun and Reiss McNally, who made his first start since September as Pools were thrashed by Woking last time out, retain their places at the back.

Luke Charman and Adam Campbell start in support of Alex Reid, who is without a goal in any of his last six appearances. Sam Folarin features on the bench for the first time since returning from his loan spell with National League South side Chelmsford, where he found the net twice in 18 games.

Pools (4-2-3-1): Hayes; Benn, McNally, Kouogun, Parkes (c); Hunter, Miley; Campbell, Miley, Charman; Reid