Pools have endured a challenging week after defeat at fellow League Two strugglers Harrogate Town before a wretched night in the Papa Johns Trophy in midweek which saw Keith Curle’s side thrashed 6-0 by Everton under-21s. The result sees Pools eliminated from the competition as all focus now returns to the league with the club bottom of the table.
Interim boss Curle helped Hartlepool to their first league win of the season against Doncaster Rovers but has seen an indifferent start to his tenure with five points from five games.
And now Pools face the long trip to the County Ground to take on a Swindon side on the fringes of the play-off places. The Robins have won three of their last five games and will prove another difficult test.
And here we predict how Pools will line-up with Curle tipped to ring the changes.
1. Ben Killip
Having been rested for the first time this season in the Papa Johns Trophy in midweek Killip is expected to return to the Hartlepool United starting line-up. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
2. Jamie Sterry
Sterry made his return from injury against Harrogate Town and was on the bench in midweek. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
3. Mouhamed Niang
Niang returned from concussion protocol against Everton U21s but could be deployed in defence if Keith Curle opts for a back three with Rolin Menayese still a doubt. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
4. Euan Murray
Murray has missed just one league game for Pools so far this season. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher