Scunthorpe United (Home)
- Scunthorpe United sit fifth in the National League standings after taking 77 points from 41 matches, comfortably in the play-off places.
- They are unbeaten in their last five matches, taking four points from their last two home matches and they should have enough to edge an end-to-end matchup at Glanford Park on Friday.
- Andy Butler’s high-tempo, wing-focused attacking style has been rewarded with a run of four wins in their last five, and a thrilling 2-3 victory at Braintree Town, 2-2 draw at home to Rochdale and a 2-1 win at FC Halifax Town in their three most recent matches.
Hartlepool United (Away)
- The National League’s surprise package sits ninth with 60 points from 39 games, but they have picked up their form in recent weeks, winning their last three and three of their last five.
- Hartlepool press hard in the early exchanges of matches and then look to counter-attack quickly, but they have found a good balance in their recent run of results between playing positively and pragmatically.
- They are a threat from wide areas and on set pieces, and have found a new goal hero in Charlie Caton, who has scored two of Hartlepool’s last five goals.
- Nicky Featherstone’s side have won eight, drawn six and lost five of their 19 away matches.
Head-to-Head
Scunthorpe won 2-1 when these sides last met in the National League three months ago and the goals should flow on Friday, when promotion is the driving force behind their intensity rather than any old-fashioned rivalry.
Key Players
- Danny Whitehall
- Danny Whitehall is a lethal finisher and has been prolific for the club, hitting 18 goals in 35 National League matches this season.
- Charlie Caton
- Charlie Caton has scored two of Hartlepool’s last five goals.
Betting Insights
- We’re going for a Scunthorpe United win (1.83), Over 2.5 Goals at 1.61 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.54 for this intriguing matchup between two of the best sides in the division.
- Butler’s Scunthorpe are strong in attack, averaging 1.80 goals scored and 1.35 conceded per home match.
- Although Hartlepool have been impressive away from home, Scunthorpe have taken 11 wins, five draws and four losses in 20 home games this season, averaging 1.80 goals scored per-game and 1.35 conceded per-game.
Prediction
- Both teams are playing their best football of the season and we think the home side can secure a victory if they are at their best.
- Back Scunthorpe United to win, with Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score as the preferred bets.
