League Two Saturday Preview

By Graeme Bailey.   Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am

Sky Bet

League Two leaders Hartlepool look to maintain their wonderful 23-match unbeaten record on Saturday - against the team who last defeated them, Barnet.

Should the Teesside club slip up then Walsall and Swindon will look to close the gap - as they face trips to Torquay and Hereford respectively.

The relegation picture remains as tight as ever and any of Accrington, Macclesfield or Wrexham could be over-taken by second from bottom Boston.

Accrington v Peterborough (Home 13/8 Draw 11/5 Away 11/8)

Accrington have Jay Harris back from his recent ban, but David Brown and Leam Richardson remain suspended. Striker Leighton McGivern is in contention after an ankle injury.

The Posh have Gavin Strachan available again after injury and central defender Shane Blackett is also back after suspension.

Skysports.com prediction: 1-2

Barnet v Hartlepool Utd (Home 3/1 Draw 9/4 Away 4/5)

Andy Hessenthaler and Adam Gross have both been ruled out through injury and they join Jason Norville on the sidelines - Ian Hendon is a doubt with a toe problem.

Hartlepool have doubts over captain Micky Barron and Antony Sweeney, but long-term injury victim Joel Porter is in contention for a place on the bench.

Skysports.com prediction: 1-1

Bury v Rochdale (Home 11/8 Draw 11/5 Away 13/8)

Bury have no fresh injury doubts for the clash with Rochdale, but midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy will not return before next week due to his hamstring injury.

John Doolan is back in Rochdale's squad after overcoming a knee problem, while Glenn Murray is also set to return after a rib injury.

Skysports.com prediction: 2-0

Hereford v Swindon (Home 15/8 Draw 11/5 Away 6/5)

Stephen Jennings returns to Hereford's squad after a knee injury and they are boosted by the fact Steve Guinan has had his loan extended by Cheltenham.

Jerel Ifil is suspended for Swindon after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season, so David Partridge or Claude Gnapka will make their debuts in central defence.

Skysports.com prediction: 0-2

Lincoln v Stockport (Home 10/11 Draw 9/4 Away 5/2)

Lincoln look set to be without Adie Moses again, as he struggles to overcome an ankle problem, but midfielder Peter Holmes will feature.

Both Rob Clare and Michael Raynes are major doubts for Stockport, who are already without Keith Briggs, Michael Bowler and Michael Rose.

Skysports.com prediction: 1-1 

Macclesfield v Wrexham (Home 10/11 Draw 9/4 Away 5/2)

Paul Ince needs to check on the fitness of John Miles, Jamie Tolley, Matthew Tipton and Martin Bullock - all of whom had a virus last weekend.

Ryan Valentine returns from suspension for Wrexham and Jeff Whitley should be fit to return, but Danny Williams and Chris Llewellyn are banned.

Skysports.com prediction: 2-0

Mansfield v Bristol Rovers (Home 6/5 Draw 11/5 Away 15/8)

Jonathan D'Laryea, Jake Buxton, Jon Hjelde and Stephen Dawson are all sidelined for Mansfield so full-back Gareth Jelleyman will again be drafted into central defence.

Ryan Green is definitely sidelined for Bristol Rovers and he could be joined on the sidelines by Stuart Nicholson - who has a pelvic problem.

Skysports.com prediction: 1-1

MK Dons v Grimsby (Home 8/13 Draw 12/5 Away 4/1)

Albert Jarrett is set to return to The Dons' midfield, but Keith Andrews, Izale McLeod and Clive Platt are all doubts.

Grimsby stopper Nick Fenton is struggling with a knee injury, but Michael Reddy and Gary Cohen remain sidelined.

 Skysports.com prediction: 3-0

Notts County v Boston Utd (Home 4/5 Draw 9/4 Away 3/1)

James Walker is in line to make his full debut for Notts County, and fellow loanees Myles Weston and Michael Byron should feature.

Boston skipper Paul Ellender still has one game to serve of his suspension, while Stephen Vaughan, Simon Rusk, Shane Nicholson and Richie Ryan remain sidelined. 

Skysports.com prediction: 2-0

Torquay v Walsall (Home 5/2 Draw 9/4 Away 10/11)

Torquay have lost the services of Marvin Williams after he was recalled by Millwall, but Lloyd Kerry returns to their midfield after injury.

Chris Westwood looks set to start in central defence, with Ian Roper and Scott Dann ruled out for the season for Walsall. Allan Picken will not be risked by manager Richard Money. 

Skysports.com prediction: 1-3 

Wycombe v Shrewsbury (Home 11/10 Draw 9/4 Away 2/1)

Jermaine Easter will be re-installed to Wycombe's starting line-up after a two-match suspension - while Ricardo Batista will also be recalled in place of Jamie Young in goal.

Shrewsbury boss Gary Peters is expected to ring the changes after defeat to Bury - but Ben Herd remains sidelined with an ankle problem. Lee Canoville and Richard Hope should both return.

Skysports.com prediction: 1-0