Hartlepool United
- Hartlepool United have won two of their last three home matches.
- Hartlepool are a solid mid-table side on 45 points from 31 National League games (9th).
- They have won six, drawn six and lost four of their 16 home matches this term.
- Antony Sweeney’s pragmatic tactics have brought an improved structure to Hartlepool United since he took over at Victoria Park in September 2022 and his side are a tough team to break down and dangerous in transition.
Sutton United
- Sutton United have won one of their last five games (D2, L2).
- The Sutton side are poor-travellers and have won just two, drawn four and lost eight of their 14 National League away games this season.
- Sutton sit 20th in the National League table with 28 points from 29 games.
- Matt Gray’s men can mix it up in terms of how they play, but their best games generally feature a controlled possession-based build-up, wide play and good routines from set pieces.
Head-to-Head
- Hartlepool have a decent record against the Ammers in recent times, winning two and drawing one of the sides’ last three National League head-to-head encounters.
- The last meeting at Sutton finished 3-3 in a thrilling game, which underlines the potential for goals in this fixture.
Key Players
- Alex Reid
- Seven National League goals in 26 appearances.
- He has also scored two of Hartlepool’s last four.
- Lewis Simper
- Leads Sutton’s scoring charts with eight National League goals in 29 games and can provide his side with a consistent threat in the box.
Betting Insights
- Hartlepool United are the bookmakers’ favorites to beat Sutton United at 1.96.
- The visitors are priced at 3.44, which looks tempting by comparison.
- Sutton’s away record this season stands at 2 wins, 4 draws, 8 losses from 14 National League away games.
- We’ll go with the Over 2.5 goals market at 1.78.
Prediction
The contrasting styles of the two sides should make for an interesting game, and Hartlepool United to squeak out a win in a tough contest.
