By Albatross
September 30 2005

You know that saying about it being better to travel hopefully than arrive? Well for some reason I don't think too many Hartlepool United fans will feel overly optimistic on the way down to Bristol City - Pools will definately have to raise their game to get a result. Brian Tinnion's departure from the Ashton gate Hotseat came after a summer of arrivals and departures was followed by an appalling start to the season (just one win in their first seven games) culminating in a 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Swansea. Since then , City have appointed former Yeovil boss Gary Johnson, who is off to a good start; he will want to continue that against Pools, and having masterminded one defeat for us already this season he has first-hand knowledge of what we can do.

Back to back wins over Brentford and Barnsley have seen the home side rediscover their shooting boots, and the partnership of Steve Brooker and Marcus Stewart has started to fire, with them scoring five of City's six goals in those games. Between them they've already scored nine times, with Brooker just ahead of the former Sunderland forward. Michael Bridges, a rumoured target for Pools over the summer, has spent most of his time on the bench and so far has scored just once, in the Carling Cup.

There are no new selection headaches for Johnson - Louis Carey is returning to fitness but is expected to miss out. Pools meanwhile are hoping that Jon Daly and Eifion Williams will both be available. Without Daly we've looked a little toothless up front; and with Butler's suspension kicking in for this game there's every chance that Williams could play on the flank, with Llewellyn switching to the left.

I could easily see Scott going for 4-5-1 in this game: our opponents have discovered their goalscoring touch, and he may feel that by packing the midfield he can cut the service to the dangerous front men. If he does, then it will be vital for the likes of Sweeney (and Bullock if he retains his place) to not only get the tackles in but also to break forward to support the attack.

Try as I might, I just can't see Pools taking anything out of this game. Our opponents are out to impress the new manager, and have just hit form; Pools meanwhile are struggling. Not very positive, but possibly realistically then I'm predicting a 2-0 defeat and more misery for Pools.