Hartlepool v Exeter preview
Last Updated: September 2, 2011 10:44am
Collins: Recovers from hamstring injury
Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Hartlepool and Exeter at Victoria Park.
A host of players are nearing a return to action as Hartlepool prepare for the visit of Exeter.
Centre-back Sam Collins should be in contention after overcoming a hamstring injury and Nolberto Solano is in the frame after shaking off the same problem.
The former Newcastle winger joined midfielder Antony Sweeney (groin) in completing an hour of the reserve-team defeat to Gateshead on Wednesday.
Colin Nish, another one to have suffered a hamstring injury, should be fit but fellow forward James Poole (knee) will be assessed by medical staff before a decision is made on him.
Evan Horwood is set to miss out as the full-back requires a rest after sustaining a thigh problem.
Meanwhile, Paul Tisdale has a goalkeeping selection headache for Exeter's visit to the north-east.
Artur Krysiak has been a regular starter for the Grecians this season but shootout heroics by summer signing Lenny Pidgeley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Plymouth Argyle has given Tisdale a tough decision.
Guillem Bauza is unlikely to be in contention for the matchday squad as the striker is still suffering with a groin injury sustained against Chesterfield, and could remain sidelined for a few weeks.
Loanee Rowan Vine is likely to retain his starting place up front alongside Daniel Nardiello, while youngster Tom Nichols could be introduced from the bench despite starting against Argyle.
Liam Sercombe and John O'Flynn remain long-term absentees.
Matches
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npower League 1
Table
npower League 1
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doncaster Rovers | 46 | 84 |
| 2 | Bournemouth | 46 | 83 |
| 3 | Brentford | 46 | 79 |
| 4 | Yeovil Town | 46 | 77 |
| 5 | Sheffield United | 46 | 75 |
| 6 | Swindon Town | 46 | 74 |
| 7 | Leyton Orient | 46 | 71 |
| 8 | Milton Keynes Dons | 46 | 70 |
| 9 | Walsall | 46 | 68 |
| 10 | Crawley Town | 46 | 68 |
| 11 | Tranmere Rovers | 46 | 67 |
| 12 | Notts County | 46 | 65 |
| 13 | Crewe Alexandra | 46 | 64 |
| 14 | Preston North End | 46 | 59 |
| 15 | Coventry City | 46 | 55 |
| 16 | Shrewsbury Town | 46 | 55 |
| 17 | Carlisle United | 46 | 55 |
| 18 | Stevenage | 46 | 54 |
| 19 | Oldham Athletic | 46 | 51 |
| 20 | Colchester United | 46 | 51 |
| 21 | Scunthorpe United | 46 | 48 |
| 22 | Bury | 46 | 41 |
| 23 | Hartlepool United | 46 | 41 |
| 24 | Portsmouth | 46 | 32 |
