It might be a case of the unstoppable meeting the unmovable this weekend as Walsall aim for their tenth game unbeaten and Hartlepool their third, while seeking revenge for their 3 – 1 home defeat at the back end of last season.

The Saddlers look like being at full strength, with Vice Captain Michael Standing having recovered from hi s groin injury, so only Daryl Taylor will be missing through injury. What constitutes full strength seems to be the only problem. Merson said in the build up to the game on the official site that he will pick certain players to face certain teams and situations, so changes from the line up against Southend seem to be inevitable.

The OS does say that skipper Chris Westwood will be in the heart of the defence, so Steve Staunton, Julian Bennett, Anthony Gerrard and Ian Roper, will all seem to be chasing one place alongside him.
Craig Pead seems to be certain of his place at right back, assuming a 4 4 2 or 4 5 1, as does Danny Fox on the other flank, as his understudy Johnny Harkness is off to Cambridge United on loan for a month.

Midfield depends on the formation, but expect Osborn, Wrack, Wright, Kinsella, Taylor and Standing to figure, as I would have thought Paul Smith would be on the bench as he tries to get match fitness.

Up front, it will be interesting to see if Fryatt starts, given the rumours, but Leitao and Larossa should also figure in some role.

Pools are looking to continue the good work that was done at Bournemouth (a draw) and Doncaster (a 1 – 0 away win last game ) by kick-starting their home form with a win over The Saddlers. They lost at home to Bradford on the opening day, something will still hurts for Manager Martin Scott but he is determined to consign that to history with three points on Saturday.

“We didn’t perform at home last time,” he admitted. “But the players have done very well since then and have worked hard to prepare for the game with Walsall. We know that they are a good side who are enjoying a good run but we always fancy our chances at home and we will be doing everything we can to get the result we want.”

Scott will still be without Australian striker Joel Porter and South African midfielder Mark Tinkler, although they both played a part in a midweek practice match against Sunderland. Although their fitness is improving, Saturday’s game will come too early for the pair, while Hugh Robertson is also expected to be sideline. Micky Barron is still out after knee surgery.

Predictions? I’d like to think that we could come away from Hartlepool with a point, but I am worried by Merson’s admission that he will be making changes again. This is the stage of the season where a settled line up and some consistency can pay huge dividends, with the players still fresh. Granted, most of his decisions have come off so far, but I tend to think that a narrow defeat may be on the cards this time.

Don’t forget Geordie’s pub guide below, for those making the long trek North!