Hartlepool United vs Ebbsfleet United Preview
Hartlepool United play host to Ebbsfleet United this weekend in the Vanarama National League. The Pools' 2-0 misery against Halifax on Tuesday kick-started more negativity towards the club, with them sitting just three points above the drop zone and now manager Craig Harrison has been sacked from the club.
Despite their 3-2 win last weekend against Woking, poor form continues to be an issue at the club that could see them in yet another battle of relegation this season, a familiar déjà vu feeling for fans over the last few years.
Ebbsfleet fans will be hoping veteran Danny Kedwell can continue his run of good form, scoring three goals in the last four games, two of which came in their win on Tuesday against Woking.
Darryl McMahon's side have also won their last three games and will hope that the Fleet can push towards an outside chance at the playoffs, a feat that no one would of expected of them in their first season back in the Non-League's top flight.
Liam Donnelly will have his ankle injury further assessed ahead of the weekend as the defender looks to return to action after missing the last three games.
On-loan centre-back Michael Ledger is still receiving treatment with parent club Sunderland so looks doubtful to be involved.
Ryan Donaldson and Aaron Cunningham are both still recovering from ankle surgery, while Kenton Richardson is sidelined after undergoing an operation to repair his fractured collarbone.
Ebbsfleet's team remains pretty healthy with the exception however over over full-back Lawrie Wilson who could miss out due to hamstring trouble.
The previous outing between the teams saw Ebbsfleet win comfortably with a 3-0 victory and with Hartlepool's continuous trouble I expect the visiting side to do the exact same on the North East's sides turf.
Andy's Prediction: Hartlepool 1 -2 Ebbsfleet United
Credit to FC Halifax for the imagery used in this article.