Hartlepool v Notts BIG Match Preview

Thompson... looking towards next season

It is win or bust for the Magpies as they cling onto the final ounce of hope available looking towards the playoffs. With nine points to play for, Notts know even a 100% record between now and May 5 is unlikely to be enough to topple the likes of Wycombe, Stockport and particularly the ever improving Shrewsbury. 7^th place is four points off, five if you count the Shrews' far superior goal difference and they also have a game spare.

Add into the mix Notts will face recently promoted Pool away next, with them chasing the title, then it looks far more difficult.

Noises within the camp have been mixed. Manager Steve Thompson and Assistant John Gannon are seemingly looking to next year, whilst striker Lawrie Dudfield is aiming for three wins in the hope it may lead somewhere yet.

Three points tomorrow is the only solution to carry some hope.

Team News

Smith (left) and Silk (right) doubtful for Notts

Notts - Left-back Austin McCann fights on despite suffering a fractured nose, but Thompson has injury doubts over midfield duo Gary Silk and Jay Smith, with the latter likely to be rested after suffering niggly injuries for a few weeks. Silk (hamstring) will have a late fitness test.

Hartlepool - The Pool are likely to have captain Michael Barron back in the first eleven, replacing Darren Williams at right-back. Other than that manager Danny Wilson - said to have been in direct contention with Thompson for the Notts job this summer - has no need to change. However, Anthony Sweeney is nearing a return from a hamstring injury whilst Joel Porter continues to impress for the reserves.

Form Guide

Notts - Four wins in five for the Magpies, the only defeat coming in the last outing against second placed Walsall. Only two goals given away in that time shows the Magpies can frustrate teams and they will remain in high spirits. They dominated the Walsall game and deserved a victory.

Hartlepool - In their worst form since the end of October! That though isn't saying anything as Wilson's men had gone on a 23 game unbeaten run that took in a 1-0 win at Meadow Lane in December. Defeat to Barnet at the start of the month ended that, but on the whole they are still red hot, with four wins from five.

Key Players

Notts - Stephen Hunt. The young centre-half has been imperious since being given a regular starting berth. Commanding on the ground, pacey and strong in the air, Hunt has given nothing away and will need to be at his best at

Konstantopoulos... good luck Colin Slater!

Victoria Park to shackle league hotshots Richie Barker and Eifion Williams. If Hunt continues his superb form Notts will fancy their chances of a clean sheet, particularly if his understanding with Mike Edwards and Kevin Pilkington is again at its best. Quite simply Notts' best player so far in 2007, his form must be continued for Notts to have any chance of success.

Hartlepool - Dimitrios Konstantopoulos. The goalkeeper is easily the best in the division and is the rock in which the Pool's title challenge has been built from. A superb shot stopper, the six foot four inch Greek commands his area brilliantly and had scouts flocking to see him earlier in the season. Hartlepool have the second best defensive record in the league and 'Dimi' is a big reason. Notts will find it difficult to break him, if they do, they will be halfway there.

Probably line-ups

Notts - (4-3-3) Kevin Pilkington, David Pipe, Mike Edwards, Stephen Hunt, Austin McCann, Matt Somner, Ian Ross, Gary Silk, Lawrie Dudfield, Jason Lee, James Walker

Hartlepool - Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, Michael Barron, Michael Nelson, Ben Clark, Richie Humphreys, Willie Boland, Gary Liddle, Andy Monkhouse, James Brown, Richie Barker, Eifion Williams

Friday Fight Night

With the game being on a Friday, and the reason being far from clear, NCM bring you the Friday fight night key battle.

David Pipe v Andy Monkhouse

Pipe has been better for Notts this season when employed as a right-back, and that's where he will be against the league leaders. He will be up against Andy Monkhouse who has lost only once in a Pool shirt and been in devastating form from the wing. It really is the battle that could shape the game. Should Monkhouse be given the time to deliver crosses to the likes of the lethal Barker, or even get into the box himself, Notts could pay the price. However, if Pipe performs to his best and shows why Wycombe were reported to have bid over £100,000 for his services, then Notts could have a key outlet themselves with his determination spirit and counter-attacking.

Danger Men

Notts - Lawrie Dudfield. After his complete display against Walsall when he ran the show and hit a powerful goal, Dudfield will feel back in touch after a barren spell of no goals in twelve games. Always a willing worker, when on song Dudfield adds plenty of attacking impetus to his game with his quick feet, selflessness and good dribbling. With his confidence back, he could hit another of his purple patches.

Hartlepool - Richie Barker. Do Notts fans need any introduction to the former Mansfield Town ace? The experienced front man currently leads the way in the League 2 goalscoring charts with 21, and ominously for Notts, has scored six goals in the Pool's last six games. A scorer of goals in the past for the Stags against Notts, Barker is determined to win the golden boot and the Championship and his aggression, awareness and heading ability make him a real threat.

Drapes' Prediction: Hartlepool to be too strong in this one, as much as it pains me to say. Everywhere you look in their side is quality. Their spine consists of Konstantopoulos, Nelson, Liddle and Barker with players such as Monkhouse and Williams off that still ridiculously good at this level. 3-1 with Dudfield hitting a late consolation.