Ahead of kick-off at Prenton Park, Askey will have had a full week to work with his new group of players having watched his side come from behind to claim a point against Walsall in a dramatic 3-3 draw in his first game in charge.
Askey admitted afterwards that he relied heavily on the input of first-team coach Antony Sweeney heading into his first fixture against Walsall but should now have a somewhat better understanding heading into the trip to Tranmere.
Hartlepool are still in desperate need for points at the bottom of the League Two table and face a tough run of fixtures against teams in the top of half in March - beginning with Tranmere.
Askey hinted that a decision will need to be made on striker Josh Umerah and full-back Jamie Sterry as we predict our Pools starting XI to face Tranmere:
Hartlepool are still in desperate need for points at the bottom of the League Two table and face a tough run of fixtures against teams in the top of half in March - beginning with Tranmere.
![John Askey was pleased with Kiernan's performance from a wing-back position against Walsall and he may continue in the starting XI in a more advanced role against Tranmere. (Photo: Mark Fletcher | MI News)](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQwN2EzYzMxLThkMTgtNDBkZC04YjQxLWEyNzdmMWQwZGQ5ZDpiNGQxZThkOS01NDMzLTQxYWUtOTExOC0yZmY5YTE0NDNlYjA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
9. Brendan Kiernan
John Askey was pleased with Kiernan's performance from a wing-back position against Walsall and he may continue in the starting XI in a more advanced role against Tranmere. (Photo: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
![Jennings got off the mark for Hartlepool ahead of his return to Tranmere. (Photo: Mark Fletcher | MI News)](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmE5OGY2MGU3LTQ2YzEtNGZjZS1hZmViLWY2YjhjZjhkNWM4ZjozYmIzMmU5Zi0zZTRkLTRlZjctYjQzYS1jZDlhNTc1NWJhNDM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
10. Connor Jennings
Jennings got off the mark for Hartlepool ahead of his return to Tranmere. (Photo: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
![Hamilton could continue in attack with Josh Umerah remaining doubtful. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmZlNWJiMmE4LTdhYTUtNDU4Mi05M2NkLWY5OWQ3ZGVjZDQ5NTpjN2Q5ZTBhMy1kMjU0LTQzYTEtYTM3YS1kYjM4NWU4MmI5YzQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
11. Jack Hamilton
Hamilton could continue in attack with Josh Umerah remaining doubtful. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher