Hartlepool v Bournemouth preview

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Hartlepool manager John Hughes could name an unchanged starting line-up for the fourth successive game.

Hughes has no new injury or suspension worries as Pools chase their first home win since September 1 and has several options at his disposal.

Striker Charlie Wyke, whose loan spell from Middlesbrough was recently extended until the end of the season, is likely to retain his place alongside Steve Howard up front after scoring his first senior goal in the 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury last time out.

Hughes must decide whether to retain 19-year-old Jordan Richards at right-back or recall the more experienced Neil Austin, while fellow defenders Darren Holden and Jack Baldwin, plus teenage striker Luke James are all pushing for a place in the starting line-up.

Goalkeeper Andy Rafferty remains the only long-term absentee following summer knee surgery.

Bournemouth could be without Harry Arter and Marc Pugh at Hartlepool as they look to bounce back from their first League One defeat under Eddie Howe.

Their 3-1 reverse at Walsall ended a 15-game unbeaten run which has moved the Cherries from 21st to eighth in the division but they may have to face rock-bottom Pools without two midfield regulars.

Pugh suffered a dead leg in the FA Cup defeat to Wigan last week and is doubtful while Arter had to be withdrawn just 30 minutes into the clash with the Saddlers as he picked up a calf strain.

Striker Wes Thomas, back in the squad after returning from a loan spell at Blackpool, picked up a head injury on Saturday but should still make the long trip north while Richard Hughes missed the defeat because of illness but trained on Monday.

“We have to make sure it was a one off and go again – what I am looking for now is a reaction,” Howe told the club’s official website.

“We knew at some time we would get a disappointing result and performance because that is football. We now have to make sure it doesn’t happen again for a long time.”

Hartlepool v Bournemouth preview

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Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper is expected to name an unchanged side for the home clash, which passed a 12noon pitch inspection on Friday.

Cooper has no new injury or suspension problems as his side look to build on last week’s 4-0 home win over Carlisle and stretch their unbeaten league run to five matches.

But striker James Poole, sidelined since Boxing Day due to a hamstring injury, must wait a while longer for his comeback.

The summer signing from Manchester City had an epidural injection after consulting a specialist on Wednesday and is hoping to return to training next week.

Another striker, Colin Larkin (knee), remains a long-term absentee and although Colin Nish is pushing for a return to the starting line-up, Cooper is expected to stick with James Brown and teenager Luke James – three goals in his last four appearances – up front.

Bournemouth will be without midfielder Wes Fogden.

Fogden suffered an ankle injury during the 1-0 defeat at Chesterfield on January 27 and will not be fit enough to line up against Pools.

Matt Tubbs will keep his place up front after netting on his debut against Exeter in midweek, while Scott Malone will be pushing for a start after coming off the bench to score the second goal in the 2-0 victory over the Grecians following his return from injury.

Manager Lee Bradbury will be missing captain Adam Barrett, however, who has been ruled out with a hamstring problem, while Mathieu Baudry (hamstring), Joe Partington, Shaun Cooper, Mark Molesley and Nathan Byrne (ankle) are still short of match fitness.

Striker Charlie Sheringham will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury, while goalkeeper Shwan Jalal has been sidelined for six weeks after undergoing a routine back operation.

Hartlepool v Bournemouth preview

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First-team coach Mick Wadsworth could continue to blood more youngsters.

With regular centre-half Sam Collins suspended following his dismissal in the 2-0 defeat at Southampton, Wadsworth has a number of options to replace him in defence.

Neil Austin is back from a calf injury and could return at right-back, allowing Steven Haslam to shift into the middle.

The versatile Gary Liddle, who filled in at centre-half after Collins saw red at St Mary’s, could also fill the void.

Striker James Brown has missed the last seven games with an ankle injury but should be fit enough to take his place among the subs.

Pools have won just one of their last eight matches but their 55-point haul is the best they have achieved since promotion to npower League One in 2006/07.

Danny Hollands will miss out due to suspension.

The midfielder was sent off in the Cherries’ comeback victory over Bristol Rovers on Easter Monday.

Harry Arter was introduced from the bench in that game and he could be given the nod to start this time.

Defender Mathieu Baudry may also be selected after heading the equaliser against Rovers, with boss Lee Bradbury hinting that the Frenchman could be offered a new deal at Dean Court.

Striker Michael Symes (abductor strain) and full-back Rhoys Wiggins are back in light training but unlikely to feature against Pools.

Bradbury’s side are clinging onto the final play-off spot in npower League One after taking seven points from their last three matches.