But seven points in their last four matches – including crucial wins over Crawley and Rochdale – has put a very different spin on the table.
Pools are now out of the drop zone. And while Gillingham and Rochdale have games in hand, United have the points in the bag.
The latest supercomputer predictions now has Pools right back in the survival mix with goal difference set to be the deciding factor.
Here’s how the final table is being predicted to look.
Give us your predictions on if Pools are staying up via our social media channels.
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Hartlepool United are expected to be in a three-horse relegation battle with Rochdale and Gillingham, with Pools given a 52 per cent chance of going down. Photo: Michael Driver
. Leyton Orient - 94 pts (+36)
Win the league: 65%
Promoted: 95% Photo: Pete Norton
. Stevenage - 85pts (+24)
Play-off chances: 28%
Promotion chances: 69%
Win the league 17% Photo: David Price
. Northampton Town - 81pts (+24)
Play-off chances: 34%
Promotion chances: 59%
Win the league: 11% Photo: Pete Norton
. Salford City - 73pts (+16)
Play-off chances: 39%
Promotion chances: 27% Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
. Bradford City - 73pts (+11)
Promotion chances: 24%
Play-off chances: 38% Photo: Bruce Rollinson
. Carlisle United - 72pts (+17)
Promotion chances: 23%
Play-off chances: 38% Photo: Pete Norton
. Stockport County - 71pts (+18)
Play-off chances: 34%
Promotion chances 21% Photo: Gareth Copley
1. Leyton Orient - 94 pts (+36)
Win the league: 65%
Promoted: 95% Photo: Pete Norton
2. Stevenage - 85pts (+24)
Play-off chances: 28%
Promotion chances: 69%
Win the league 17% Photo: David Price
3. Northampton Town - 81pts (+24)
Play-off chances: 34%
Promotion chances: 59%
Win the league: 11% Photo: Pete Norton
4. Salford City - 73pts (+16)
Play-off chances: 39%
Promotion chances: 27% Photo: Charlotte Tattersall