Hartlepool v Sheff Utd preview

Team news ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup Round One clash between Hartlepool and Sheffield United on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

Striker James Poole could start for Hartlepool against Sheffield United. Poole, who signed from Manchester City during the summer after a loan spell at Victoria Park last season, stepped off the bench in Saturday's 2-2 draw at MK Dons and capped an impressive cameo role with his side's second goal. Forwards James Brown and Colin Larkin missed the opening game through respective ankle injuries and are not expected to return in midweek. Manager Mick Wadsworth has no new injury worries, but could make further changes, with Nathan Luscombe, a free signing from Sunderland, pushing for his first start and fellow midfielder Paul Murray hoping to return to the starting line-up. Midfielder Nolberto Solano and striker Colin Nish both made their debuts over the weekend and are expected to retain their places. Sheffield United striker Chris Porter is doubtful for the clash at Hartlepool due to a dead-leg. Porter, a free summer signing from Derby, sustained the injury during his Blades debut in Saturday's win at Oldham and was replaced by Daniel Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic could retain his place if Porter fails to make it or manager Danny Wilson could hand a start to teenage striker Jonathan Slew. Another summer recruit, midfielder Ryan Flynn from Falkirk, is struggling with a tight hamstring, so that could mean a debut for latest signing Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who completed his six-month loan switch from Wolves on Friday. Forward Ched Evans is still out with an ankle injury, while player/coach Chris Morgan and fellow defenders Johnny Ertl and Andy Taylor all remain sidelined due to respective cruciate knee ligament injuries.