It’s something of a clash of the Titans tomorrow, with the Saddlers going into a game in the somewhat unusual position of second favourites. It’s not often that that has happened this season, but a trip to Hartlepool, weather permitting, is not one to be faced with relish at the moment, as they are on a very, very good run.

It’s a very rare occasion, but it is quite possible that the four teams to return to Division 1 next season could be the four who came down last season, thanks to the ‘Pools current run of form.

Allan Picken played a full 90 minutes for the reserves in the week, but still won’t be risked in a League game, so the Saddlers only injury doubts concern Ian Roper, who will be having a test on his knee and Anthony Gerrard, who came off with an ankle knock last week. Hints on the Official Site seem to suggest that Geordie Lyall and Mark Bradley may be in with a chance of making the 16, and both have travelled with the squad, which has gone up to the frozen North East today, in order to have the best preparation. As it happens, the weather is better there than here and the prospects for the game are very good.

Hartlepool United will also be at full strength. Their Irish International and former Cardiff midfielder Willie Boland should be available again, after missing four games through injury. They were also missing their big signing from Mansfield, Richie Barker, through suspension last week, but he is now available again. His absence didn’t seem to make a lot of difference, however, as that game was a 1 – 0 win at Swindon Town, at Paul Sturrock’s January Manager of the Month Award took an early toll, even before it was announced!

Their main danger man is likely to be the aforementioned Barker, who has got 16 goals so far this season and, at £80,000, looks like being a bit of a bargain signing.

Predictions?

Hartlepool started off the season badly and were struggling towards the bottom of the table, but that has all changed now. They are lying in 3rd place and have an exceelent home record with nine wins from their 15 home games. They seem to be a reflection of us, as they have conceded eight goals in those home games, only one more than The Saddlers.

They have gone 12 games since their last defeat when Macclesfield Town knocked them out of the FA Cup (another thing they have in common with the Saddlers, but haven’t lost in League Two since Barnet went home from Victoria Park wth a 1-0 win way back on the 4th November.

Both sides don’t score many goals and concede even fewer, so this really should be a very tight game. A 0 – 0 is far from inconceivable, and I, for one, would take that now.