Thomas Butler - back

By Clarence Rode
March 27 2008

Swansea arrive at Victoria Park on Saturday keen to avoid defeat as they defend a League One lead that has been slowly eroded in the last few weeks. But Hartlepool have something to play for as well - pride. After their mid-season slump, Pools have won four of their last six games, and want to make sure they end the season on a high note.

With Joel Porter (right) in top scoring form, James Brown making a scoring return in Monday's win over Yeovil and the team the top home scorers in League One, Danny Wilson's men will be looking for more goals to keep the pressure on Swansea.
City have shown signs of slipping up both at home and away recently, and after being runaway leaders not too long ago, they are now looking over their shoulders as the likes of Carlisle apply late-season pressure at the top.
But Pools have their problems as well.
Sam Collins is doubtful after brusing his ribs early in the Yeovil game, while Richard Barker could be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
But after using two subs in the first 18 minutes on Monday, Pools showed that they have strength in depth, and on form they can pose a major threat to Swansea and their title hopes.
Former Pools wide man Thomas Butler will be telling his team-mates what to expect, while Darryl Duffy will also be hoping to play after joining Swansea rather than Pools from Hull last summer.
It all points to a good game in prospect for the Vic, and if Pools can play as well as they did againt Huddersfield, City could find it difficult at the end of their longest journey of the season.