Hartlepool United (home)
- Hartlepool have not been in the best of form recently, having won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five games, but they are more solid at home, going undefeated in their last two.
- Antony Sweeney is a tactically astute coach who can make his side set up in a variety of different formations depending on the opponent and moment in the game.
Southend United (away)
- Southend United have won 10 and lost 7 of their 22 away National League matches this season.
- Southend United have won four and drawn one of their last five league matches.
Head-to-Head
The last three meetings between the sides have ended all square, including a 1-1 draw at Southend earlier this campaign, so the hosts can push the odds-on visitors close.
Key Players
- Andrew Dallas is the club’s most potent goal threat with 16 in 41 league appearances this term, but Gus Scott-Morriss has chipped in with four goals in the last five as the visitors have gone unbeaten.
- Alex Reid leads the line for Hartlepool with 11 goals in 38 National League appearances this season and is a threat to score at any time.
Betting Insights
- That makes Hartlepool 4.01 outsiders to beat the Shrimpers, while Southend are the odds-on favorite at 1.88 and deservedly so.
- Southend have scored 39 goals in 22 away games, so the Both teams to score - Yes market looks favorable here given their attacking quality and Hartlepool’s improvement at home.
Prediction
- The visitors have superior form, a better away record and more goals in their arsenal.
- Southend have the overall quality and firepower to come out on top in what could be a competitive clash.
