Hartlepool v Plymouth preview

admin

Pools striker Steve Howard will return to contention for the home game with the Pilgrims following suspension.

Howard has missed the last three games after his straight red card in the recent home defeat to Oxford and is expected to have to settle for a place on the bench.

Manager Colin Cooper, who has no new injury or suspension problems, will select from a full-strength squad and is unlikely to make any changes as last week’s 3-0 victory at Exeter was Pools’ third successive win.

Midfielders Antony Sweeney, Jonathan Franks and full-back Jordan Richards are all pushing for recalls to the starting line-up as Pools chase their second home league win of the season.

Plymouth have received an injury blow ahead of their long trip to Hartlepool.

Striker Marvin Morgan requires a shoulder operation which looks set to rule the 30-year-old for a huge chunk of the 2013-14 Sky Bet League Two campaign.

Morgan had been playing on with the problem but will now spend months on the sidelines and his absence could open the door for homegrown striker Tyler Harvey to be more involved for the Pilgrims.

Argyle head to Victoria Park looking for their first victory since September 7, a run of six games which has seen them slump down to 19th in the table and knocked out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Hartlepool v Plymouth preview

admin

Hartlepool first-team coach Mick Wadsworth is sweating over the fitness of several players ahead of the game.

Wadsworth will leave it as late as possible to name his squad after key players picked up knocks in the 1-0 defeat to Carlisle in midweek.

Antony Sweeney hobbled off on 44 minutes at Brunton Park after a clumsy tackle from Liam Noble, which led to the midfielder’s red card.

However, Sweeney has made good progress in his battle to be passed fit for the visit of Peter Reid’s men but a decision will not be made until the last minute.

Defender Evan Horwood is also a doubt for the clash at Victoria Park after injuring his ankle against the Cumbrians, while midfielder Paul Murray is struggling with a sore knee.

Plymouth manager Peter Reid is hoping to have Kari Arnason fit for the trip.

The defender started the game against Swindon despite suffering from a tight hamstring but was replaced by Karl Duguid at half-time.

Arnason’s participation on Saturday may be in doubt with Duguid waiting in the wings if he fails to make it.

Midfielder Chris Clark is still unavailable as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension after his red card against Colchester.

The versatile Simon Walton was included in Argyle’s squad for the game against the Robins after returning from a knee ligament injury he picked up in pre-season and will be pushing for a start.

Stephane Zubar is likely to continue at centre-back after impressing in the last three games following his switch from right-back.