By Albatross
August 25 2002

After the long journey to Torquay, Pools now face Hull City at the Vic. Two promotion favourites meet, but all is not well for the Boothferry Park team.... Before the season started, if you asked most Division 3 fans to name their Top 7 for the season, Hartlepool and Hull would have been in more than their fair share of lists. So far though, Hull have flattered to deceive.

So far City have drawn 2-2 at home to Southend, 1-1 away to Bristol, lost 3-1 at Exeter and in their latest match drew 1-1 at home to unfancied Bury. Their total of three points has left them in 21st in the table and a lot of Tigers fans unhappy.

Hull have also had some disciplinary problems this season as well, Ian Ashbee got his marching orders against Southend, Greg Strong saw red at Bristol, and the on-loan Stuart Green - Hull's leading scorer with three goals - was sent off at Exeter.

Jan Molby has brought in a number of players over the summer, and he seems to be having trouble getting them to gel. Sound familiar? We were in a very similar position last season, when we kick-started our Playoff campaign by beating none other than Hull at the Vic.

Players such as Green, Elliott, Dudfield, Ashbee and Alexander have a lot expected of them this season, and Molby will know that having made a considerable investment over the summer - in wages if not always in transfer fees - he has to start producing the goods soon.

It will be interesting to see if CT decides to change the team and formation. With Paul Smith fit, Tommy Widdrington in contention as well, and Adam Boyd seeming to be back in the frame, there's pretty much a full squad to choose from. Smith added a lot to Pools game last season, assisting over 30 times, and it will be no surprise to see him start. Who misses out depends on the formation he chooses to play: a 3-5-2 would make the logical man to step down Mark Robinson. A 4-4-2 makes all sorts of combinations possible - my preference would be to see Clarke wide right with Arnison behind him and Micky Barron missing out, but given the loyalty CT often shows to players it would be no surprise to see Barron again filling in at right back.

Pools must avoid underestimating Hull. They may not be in form right now, but if they click they still can be one of the most dangerous sides in the division. However I'm going for Pools to squeak through 2-1, with Flash and Clarke to notch.