Exeter v Hartlepool preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Exeter City and Hartlepool United at St James Park.

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Striker Jake Taylor has recovered from a hip injury and is likely to be recalled to Tisdale's starting XI as the Grecians go in search of back-to-back victories in League One.

Defender Richard Duffy is also in contention for a place in the side after coming off with a minor knock during the 2-0 win at Chesterfield last time out.

The Devon club are looking to extend their unbeaten home run in all competitions to seven matches and Tisdale is hopeful a continued run of good form at St James Park can help boost dwindling attendances.

He told the Express and Echo: "It's a real shame our crowds are markedly down on last year and our cash flow is down. We need to generate the crowds back by playing winning football but we also need them to help us strengthen in order to play winning football."

Hartlepool top scorer James Poole may return to the fold.

Forward Poole has been sidelined for the last three matches due to a hamstring problem but is hoping to play some part at St James Park.

But Neale Cooper, who last week secured his first win since returning to the club as manager, has confirmed he will not risk the six-goal man unless he is 100 per cent fit.

Pools skipper Sam Collins returned to the side last week to play the full 90 minutes despite a badly bruised foot and is expected to continue at the heart of defence.

Cooper, who has no new injury or suspension problems, is likely to keep Luke James in the starting XI after the 17-year-old forward scored his first senior goal in last weekend's 2-0 home win over Rochdale.

Victory over Dale ended a run of nine straight home defeats for Pools, who have won three and drawn one of their last six away matches.