Hartlepool v Exeter preview

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Hartlepool defender David Mirfin faces a late fitness test ahead of the home game against Exeter.

Mirfin, on loan from Scunthorpe, missed last week’s defeat at Luton due to a toe injury and boss Ronnie Moore will make a late decision on the centre-half.

Fellow defenders Matthew Bates (leg) and Stuart Parnaby (knee) are both hoping to feature after returning to the squad as unused substitutes last week.

Pools have no new injury or suspension problems as they chase the victory that could guarantee survival. If Pools win and bottom two Cheltenham and Tranmere both lose, Moore’s side will be safe.

Exeter will check on goalkeeper Christy Pym before embarking on the long trip.

The Grecians, who need a victory at Victoria Park and hope Plymouth or Luton drop points to keep their distant hopes of a play-off place alive, would start with James Hamon if Pym cannot overcome a groin strain.

And boss Paul Tisdale is also set to be without Lee Holmes (calf) as well as hamstrung trio Craig Woodman, David Noble and Tom McCready.

Defender Christian Ribeiro (dead leg) will be handed a fitness test in the build-up to kick-off as City look to end a run of three successive defeats.

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Hartlepool v Exeter preview

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Hartlepool winger Jack Barmby is doubtful for the home game against Exeter due to an ear infection.

Barmby, on loan from Manchester United, had been hoping to add to the goals he scored in both of Pools’ previous two matches, but could miss the season finale.

Midfielder Simon Walton sits out the second game of his four-match ban following his second red card of the season on Easter Monday, while winger Andy Monkhouse (hamstring) faces a late fitness test after being forced out of last week’s draw at Plymouth.

Pools are bidding for back-to-back home wins after recently halting a run of six straight defeats.

Exeter look set to hand debuts to Ollie Watkins and Jordan Tillson at Hartlepool.

Young striker Watkins, who signed a two-year professional deal with the Grecians last week, and centre-back Tillson, a regular for their under-21 side, have been pushing for involvement in recent weeks and with City’s League Two safety secured boss Paul Tisdale revealed the pair will be involved at Victoria Park.

The manager says the long away trip is the perfect opportunity to try one or two things and a number of changes look on the cards from the side that beat Scunthorpe 2-0.

Winger David Wheeler and full-back Aaron Dawson look likely to be involved from the outset along with player of the year Matt Grimes and striker Tom Nichols.

Hartlepool v Exeter preview

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A host of players are nearing a return to action as Hartlepool prepare for the visit of Exeter.

Centre-back Sam Collins should be in contention after overcoming a hamstring injury and Nolberto Solano is in the frame after shaking off the same problem.

The former Newcastle winger joined midfielder Antony Sweeney (groin) in completing an hour of the reserve-team defeat to Gateshead on Wednesday.

Colin Nish, another one to have suffered a hamstring injury, should be fit but fellow forward James Poole (knee) will be assessed by medical staff before a decision is made on him.

Evan Horwood is set to miss out as the full-back requires a rest after sustaining a thigh problem.

Meanwhile, Paul Tisdale has a goalkeeping selection headache for Exeter’s visit to the north-east.

Artur Krysiak has been a regular starter for the Grecians this season but shootout heroics by summer signing Lenny Pidgeley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over Plymouth Argyle has given Tisdale a tough decision.

Guillem Bauza is unlikely to be in contention for the matchday squad as the striker is still suffering with a groin injury sustained against Chesterfield, and could remain sidelined for a few weeks.

Loanee Rowan Vine is likely to retain his starting place up front alongside Daniel Nardiello, while youngster Tom Nichols could be introduced from the bench despite starting against Argyle.

Liam Sercombe and John O’Flynn remain long-term absentees.