By Eggy_Poolie
July 30 2006

Well here we go. The season is almost upon us and it is time for the football to do the talking. This weekend will see Hartlepool lock horns with fellow promotion rivals Swindon Town.

Last season saw two 1-1 draws between these sides. At the Vic Gavin Strachan put Pools in front and Rory Fallon levelled for Town. In the away leg Humphreys put Pools in front with a free kick and Lee Peacock levelled from Swindon.

3 seasons ago Hartlepool and Swindon were both beaten Division 2 playoff semi finalists. Both sides secured the playoffs in a thrilling 1-1 draw at the County ground. However since then Hartlepool have been to Cardiff and now both sides are back in the basement league.

Both clubs have undergone major changes during the closed season. Denis Wise has been appointed as Swindons new manager and Gus Poyet as his assistant. The bookies have tipped these two clubs to be challenging for the title so it looks like it could a vital first game for both sides.

Neither side have many injuries concerns so both managers have full sides to pick from. It promises to be a great game.

Pools Online Prediction: Hartlepool 2-1 Swindon