Keith Curle’s side travel to the Broadfield Stadium looking for a reaction from their humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Stockport County last time out.
Curle deemed Hartlepool’s performance against Stockport as ‘unacceptable’ and insisted changes were needed at the Suit Direct Stadium as we move towards the January transfer window.
But Pools have four fixtures before then, starting with recently appointed Matthew Etherington and his Crawley side. Etherington got off to the perfect start with a win over Swindon Town last week.
Curle is unlikely to have midfielder Mouhamed Niang available after he revealed the 23-year-old is not quite ‘game ready’ but the Pools boss has hinted there could be changes to the side who suffered such a resounding defeat against Stockport.
And, here at The Mail, we predict Hartlepool’s starting line-up to face Crawley with two changes:
5. David Ferguson
Ferguson moved back into the full-back role against Stockport and, like most, will be looking for an improved performance at Crawley. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
6. Nicky Featherstone
Featherstone is expected to lead Pools out at the Broadfield Stadium. (Credit: John Cripps | MI News) Photo: John Cripps
7. Mohamad Sylla
Sylla has been a regular partner for Featherstone in recent weeks. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
8. Callum Cooke
Cooke scored on his last visit to Crawley with Bradford City. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher