In the second round of the FA Cup, Harrogate Town travels to face Hartlepool United, a team that is struggling at the bottom of League Two. Despite Harrogate’s crucial three points against Mansfield Town last weekend, Hartlepool have lost six of their last seven games in the fourth division, making it unlikely that they will reach safety in their second season at this level.
Since parting ways with former Cove Rangers coach Paul Hartley in October, Hartlepool have yet to have a new manager take over, with Keith Curle only winning two of his 13 matches thus far.
Last weekend at the Furness Building Society Stadium, Hartlepool were down 3-0 to high-flying Barrow after 21 minutes. This was a deficit that the visitors were unable to overcome, and they lost their 11th game in 19 League Two matches. United is now two points from safety at the bottom of the fourth-tier table after that defeat, and their defense has the worst record in the division, having conceded 34 times in those 19 games.
Prediction
While Hartlepool are trying to stay in League Two through the harsh winter, a successful FA Cup run could help the club’s morale. Even though the atmosphere on Saturday will be hostile, we are backing the visitors to earn a spot in the draw for the third round because Harrogate are high on confidence following their fantastic victory over Mansfield.
Head-To-Head
| Team | Hartlepool United | Harrogate Town |
|---|---|---|
| Played | 9 | 9 |
| Win | 3 | 5 |
| Draw | 1 | 1 |
| Lose | 5 | 3 |
| Score | 14:18 | 18:14 |
| Goals Scored | 1.56 | 2 |
| Goals Allowed | 2 | 1.56 |
Lineup
Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:
- Killip;
- Tumilty,
- Murray,
- Sylla,
- Paterson;
- Featherstone,
- Missilou,
- Cooke;
- Grey,
- Oduor,
- Umerah
Harrogate Town possible starting lineup:
- Jameson;
- Ramsay,
- Burrell,
- Mattock,
- Headley;
- Falkingham,
- Pattison,
- Muldoon,
- Daly,
- Grant;
- Armstrong
Betting Tips
Hartlepool has scored four or more goals in more games than any other League Two team this season. Hartlepool have lost four of their six away association games. In Hartlepool’s last three League Two games, both teams have scored.