Tony Pulis reveals Middlesbrough selection plans for Hartlepool friendly after Sunderland game abandoned

Hartlepool United host Championship Boro at Victoria Park today (KO 1pm) and they are set to face a strong Middlesbrough side.

Boro's pre-season preparations were disrupted last night when their game at The Riverside against Sunderland was abandoned at half-time.

The game called off at the break after thunder and lightning and heavy rain battered the ground, with the floodlights briefly going off when the players re-emerged for the second half. After being taken off the pitch by the officials, the game was then called-off.

Recent matches against Accrington Stanley and Rochdale suggested Pulis may well have fielded an entirely changed XI against Pools today but Pulis says the decision to abandon Friday's home friendly against Sunderland could alter his plans slightly.

"The weather has been fantastic recently so it was just unlucky to have a bit of a downpour on a Friday when we've arranged a game," he said.

"We've got a set amount of minutes that we try to achieve that we think the players need to go into the season match fit.

"I think 90% of them have got the minutes we're looking for.

"One or two who started [on Friday] might have to play and get another 45 minutes.

"It will be quite a strong team at Hartlepool, I should imagine."