Our last home game v Pools was in 2018, final NL season game in which the visitors won 1-2, backed by fans dressed as clowns, with Jeff Hughes getting our consolation, although the season ended on a higher note for Rovers with the play-off final win.
Pools have done incredibly well given the NL season didn't finish until weeks after everyone else. Some of their better players have moved on, although they managed to hang on to quality right-back Jamie Sterry and as RLC highlights, loanee Burey has made a great start to his loan spell. Given the issues rumbling on in the background at Pools and the departure of backroom staff, Dave Challinor has done well to get them off to a good start. This won't be an easy game.
I wasn't aware of Walker's recent covid history, as he's a player I thought we might start. Hawkes possibly to start or come off the bench. Wonder if Maynard will be deemed fit enough for the bench, but guess probably not. Merrie to start in midfield for me. While it's good that we're likely to ditch the 5 at the back, feel Davis has been better than Knight-Percival thus far, but by playing NKP we get the left-footer/right-footer combination. I think Duffy might start, he's been training with us a while and played in behind closed doors games so should be ready, otherwise Watson in the Feeney position.
It doesn't seem like the new additions will get much of a role, but the mood around the club will be boosted by their arrival. The referee is Chris Sarginson, who gave Cambridge their debatable penalty against us last season, after Mr Kettle we could do without any more dodgy decisions going against us. Game could go anyway but think we'll end our scoring drought.