By Albatross
December 20 2002

It could (maybe should) have been Friday after all, but instead Pools take on Scunthorpe at the traditional Saturday Afternoon. After a poor performance against Rochdale, will we still be top of the table for Christmas? After all the shenanigans about money, it's time to give some attention to Scunthorpe's playing staff as they travel up to play Pools on Saturday. They currently sit in 11th place, and if they are to make themselves credible challengers for a playoff place have to make their move soon.

Their recent form hasn't been too good. Their last win was at home to Swansea four weeks ago; since then they have lost at Bournemouth, drawn at home to Carlisle in the Cup, and then suffered a home defeat to Bury.

Leading scorer for Iron is Steve Torpey with 15 (10 in the League); Martin Carruthers has also reached double figures, but outside these two goals have been a bit harder to come by, with the rest of the squad contributing just nine league goals between them. The message would seem to be that if we stop those two, we stop Scunthorpe. This is maybe a little harsh, as the likes of Peter Beagrie are always a threat, but if those two fail to score then we've gone a long way to taking the points.

After last week's abysmal showing at Rochdale though, like most Poolies I'm more concerned with what Mike Newell decides to do. Mickey Barron and Darrell Clarke are both available again after their suspensions; so far there's been no news on whether Paul Smith will be fit after missing last Saturday's debacle.

With no keeper signed during the week (at least not by Friday Lunchtime) it looks likely that Tony Williams will continue in goal despite his performance last week. While keepers have been dropped for less, we're in a position where we don't have an experienced backup. I've not seen Provett play, but he's a first year pro with precisely one first team game to his name - and that the LDV tie at Tranmere where he saw five goals put past him. The situation reminds me of the time a few seasons back when Martin Hollund's backup was the untried Aussie Simon Miotto; when Hollund lost form badly, it took a while before Tait was prepared to give Miotto his chance. You could argue that Provett has to play sometime - or else why is he at the club - but is now the time?

Elsewhere in the team the question is more of how many changes will be made to the team rather than if there will be any. Very few players came out of the game at Spotland with much credit. One who did was Paul Arnison; ironically, his place may be most under threat with Barron and Clarke both having played on the right for most of this season.

Much depends on the fitness of Paul Smith. If he's fit to start, then we can look to play our preferred 4-4-2 formation - possibly with Barron at right back and Arno ahead of him. If he's not, then 3-5-2 - using Barry-Murphy and Arnison as Wingbacks and Barron in the back three - might make another appearance. A midfield three of Tinkler, Humphreys and Clarke would give plenty of creativity and options going forward.

If we do want to stick with 4-4-2, and Smith isn't available, then it means that Humphreys will have to play there again. The issue - whether Smith plays or not - is who plays on the right. As I've already mentioned, Arno is a possibility; but he has already been tried there and proved less than impressive. Darrell Clarke has spent most of this season on the right, and has struggled at times. I'd like to see Istead given a try; he caused the Rochdale defence a few problems when he came on - admittedly too late to make a difference - and has the pace to worry any defence. This would allow Clarke to move inside and partner Tinkler in the middle. Tommy Widdrington showed little against Rochdale to press his case for a regular spot, and Clarke looks more comfortable there than out wide.

Prediction time then, and I'm going for Pools to bounce back with a win - but only just. After last weekend though, 1-0 to the Hartlepool would be a very welcome result.