Hartlepool v Sheff Utd preview
Last Updated: October 1, 2012 6:31pm
Gallagher: Major doubt for Blades
Team news ahead of Tuesday night's League One clash between Hartlepool and Sheffield United at Victoria Park.
Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper will shake-up his side for the game with Sheffield United after another disappointing weekend defeat.
Cooper, who has no new injury or suspension worries, threatened to wield the axe after more defensive lapses cost his side at Colchester on Saturday, but is restricted as to how many changes he can make due to limited resources at Victoria Park.
The Pools boss has said he will leave out one of his two experienced central defenders, skipper Sam Collins or Peter Hartley, in favour of teenager Jack Baldwin.
Baldwin was outstanding after stepping in at right-back at Colchester in place of Neil Austin, who was pushed up into midfield, and will start in central defence against the Blades. Austin will revert back to his more customary position.
Cooper is hoping midfielder Simon Walton can shake off an ankle injury in time to return to contention as Pools chase their first league win in six matches.
Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson is hoping midfielder Paul Gallagher can shake off a hamstring strain in time to face Hartlepool.
Gallagher, a recent loan signing from Leicester, was forced off late on in the weekend draw with Notts County and replaced by John Cofie.
Wilson, who has no other new injury or suspension worries to contend with ahead of his return to former club Pools, could recall Richard Cresswell if Gallagher fails to make it.
Skipper Michael Doyle and winger Ryan Flynn both returned to the starting line-up on Saturday after serving respective three-game bans and are likely to continue, while Chris Porter, fellow forward Shaun Miller, defender Marcus Williams and midfielder David McAllister are all hoping for recalls.
The Blades remain unbeaten in the league this season, but have drawn six of their first nine games and lie in eighth place.
Matches
-
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 |
