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So far this season, under both Dave Challinor and Graeme Lee, there has been a clear system favoured by both coaches at Hartlepool United, either the 3-5-2 or the 5-3-2.
Over the course of the last five months, Matty Daly has very clearly developed and blossomed as a footballer and his exposure to game time, it has to be said, has been key to this.
Since Dave Challinor’s departure from Hartlepool United in November, the side has only picked up five wins. With only one of those victories taking place in the league, the Pools are starting to create somewhat of a new underdog story.
Following a postponement to their game against Forest Green Rovers last weekend due to positive tests in the Rovers camp, Mansfield Town will be looking to continue their positive form with Hartlepool the opposition on Boxing Day.
The trip to the North East coast is one of Carlisle United’s most hotly anticipated away games of the season, with usually hundreds if not thousands of Cumbrians making the short trip eastwards.
Rhys Oates becomes Nigel Clough’s latest recruit as the highly-rated forward signs for the Stags after the expiration of his contract with Hartlepool United.
With Hartlepool’s fourth-place finish in the National League, they now face the elimination round against Bromley before entering the semi-finals.
With Hartlepool’s place within the Vanarama National League play-offs already confirmed, the North East side must now aim for a third-place finish currently held by Stockport County.
With Hartlepool’s place in the playoffs all but confirmed their opponents isn’t, in a massive clash right at the top of the Vanarama National League, the playoff push could be strengthened for Chesterfield and whilst the race for automatic promotion still isn’t over Pools must win.
Saturday’s game is set to be the return to the starting line-up for Henrich Ravas, the Derby County loanee, since the fifth of December, facing a play-off rival, it is a massive chance to earn the number 1 shirt with Ben Killip injured.
With Hartlepool’s eyes firmly set on the race for automatic promotion, the contributions of Rhys Oates in recent weeks have been vital to the continuation of their race for the Vanarama National League title.
This Friday sees the second game between the sides in just under as many weeks, and the Daggers will be looking to repay the favour and take all three points as the Pools did in the reverse fixture.