Morecambe v Hartlepool preview

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Morecambe are without full-back Ryan Edwards for the visit of Hartlepool to the north-west coast.

The ex-Blackburn trainee triggered an automatic one-match suspension when he saw red in the closing stages of the Shrimps’ 1-0 victory over Luton, with the dramatic winner coming after he had departed.

Edwards’ absence could force boss Jim Bentley to consider a change of formation, while the versatile Alan Goodall is likely to come into consideration for his start in four fixtures.

Apart from long-term absentee Barry Roche (shoulder), the Shrimps’ squad is in rude health.

Hartlepool midfielder Tommy Miller is closing in on his first appearance since the end of October following a long-term calf injury.

Miller played the full 90 minutes for the reserves against Gateshead in midweek and should soon be pushing for his first appearance under manager Ronnie Moore.

Defender Stuart Parnaby played 45 minutes in the same match as he works his way back from knee surgery but is not expected to feature.

Defender Matthew Bates (thigh) and striker Scott Fenwick (ankle) remain sidelined, while midfielder Michael Woods (ankle) is out for the rest of the season.

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Morecambe v Hartlepool preview

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Morecambe boss Jim Bentley is expected to name an unchanged side when his team entertain Hartlepool at the Globe Arena.

The Shrimps manager recalled Kevin Ellison, who has just extended his contract at the club, and Alex Kenyon for the Boxing Day 1-0 win over local rivals Fleetwood and has no fresh injury concerns for the visit of Colin Cooper’s team.

Ryan Williams was an unnamed substitute for Thursday’s clash with the Cod Army and, having made 16 starts already this season, could be called upon should Bentley opt for changes.

Victory for Morecambe would see them claim back-to-back home wins for only the second time this season.

Hartlepool will be without suspended midfielder Andy Monkhouse at Morecambe.

Monkhouse was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the Boxing Day draw at Chesterfield and sits out a one-game ban.

Simon Walton is expected to return to the starting XI in Monkhouse’s absence having made way for teenager Brad Walker, while Antony Sweeney provides boss Colin Cooper with an alternative option.

Defenders Jordan Richards (double hernia) and Dan Jones (ankle) remain sidelined as Cooper’s side bid for their first league win in six attempts.