Ready, Steady... Win? - U's V Pools Preview

COLCHESTER UNITED entertain Hartlepool this afternoon, looking to give Aidy Boothroyd his first win as manager and a home debut in the dugout.

Two draws so far have seen Boothroyd arrest a dip in form following the club`s fantastic on-filed start to the season. The new manager has been active in the transfer market this week, bringing in defender Danny Batth and striker Kayode Odejayi.

Meanwhile, Hartlepool manager, Chris Turner, accepts that today will provide his side with a stern test as supporters are slightly concerned by their under par start to the season.

We`ll Chase The Pack - Boothroyd

He told the Daily Gazette: "We have one or two injured and a few others have been out of the picture. And I won't rule out any more players coming in as well, because I want us to be staying in the pack.

"I certainly don't want us to fall to far back. I don't want us to suddenly be 15 points behind the leaders."

It`s Negative Here - Turner

The opposing manager told the Northern Echo: "Leeds United, we go there this season in front of what, 30,000? They will get criticism from some of the crowd but their fans will also back them to the hilt and frighten the opposition.

"Last week we didn`t get that support and you feel that some of them were quite happy to see us lose and be able to criticise."

While long-term injury victim Paul Reid is out, the U's could give new loanees Danny Batth and Kayode Odejayi a chance as both make the squad.

Steven Gillespie had a mid-week outing, looking impressive for the second string and is in contention today.

Ashley Vincent will have a late fitness test, after his light injury sustained shortly after his goal in last week's draw against Swindon. Rated 50/50.

The first of Boothroyd's three loan signings is a highly-rated youngester who seems set to become an initially short-term replacement for Dean Hammond.

Looked close to fitness last week and should have scored what would have been the game's winner.

Neil Austin could replace Steve Haslam at right-back.

Ritchie Humphreys has been tipped to start alongside Ritchie Jones in midfield and Adam Boyd set to pair with James Brown.

The former U's loanee had handed in a transfer request with the 'Pools, but now looks set to stay at the club after a recent U-turn.

Scored against Colchester on the first day of last season - what price for him to score today?

I'll go for a narrow 2-1 win to the U's!

Who? Tranmere

Where? Prenton Park

When? 26/09/2009






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