Hartlepool United welcome Sutton United to The Prestige Group Stadium for a keenly contested English National League fixture. Both sides will be eager to improve their league standing, with this encounter carrying significant weight for their respective season aspirations.
Recent form paints a challenging picture for Hartlepool United, who have endured a winless spell in their last four outings. Their last five matches have yielded two draws and three defeats, most recently suffering a 3-2 reverse away to York City. Despite this barren run, they have managed to find the net in their last two games, suggesting their attacking threat has not entirely dissipated. Sutton United, meanwhile, are also struggling for consistency, currently embroiled in a three-match winless streak. Their last five results comprise one win, two draws, and two losses, with their most recent fixture concluding in a 1-1 draw at home to Braintree Town. They did, however, score in their last outing, indicating a potential to breach defensive lines.
Historically, these two teams have met five times across the last three seasons, with the fixture proving to be a tight affair. Hartlepool United have registered two wins and two draws, scoring a total of 11 goals. Sutton United have secured one victory and two draws, also netting 11 goals. The current season’s encounter saw a thrilling 3-3 draw at Sutton United’s home ground, with Lewis Simper, Brandon Njoku, and Edon Pruti on the scoresheet for the hosts, and Luke Charman, Vadaine Oliver, and Jermaine Francis for Hartlepool. Last season, Hartlepool United claimed a dramatic 4-3 home win, powered by a hat-trick from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, while Sutton United emerged victorious with a 2-1 away win in their other fixture.
In terms of league standings, Hartlepool United occupy ninth place, having accumulated 45 points from 32 games. Their record shows 11 wins, 12 draws, and 9 losses, with a goal difference of +2 from 35 goals scored and 33 conceded. Sutton United find themselves in a more precarious position, sitting in 20th place with 29 points from 30 matches. Their statistics reveal 6 wins, 11 draws, and 13 losses, with a goal difference of -11 from 39 goals scored and 50 conceded.
A victory for Hartlepool United could see them solidify their top-half position and build crucial momentum heading into the latter stages of the season. Conversely, a defeat could see them slip down the table and potentially dent their morale. For Sutton United, three points would be invaluable in their fight to climb away from the relegation zone, offering a significant boost to their confidence and season hopes. A draw would provide a small step forward for both sides, but neither would feel they had fully capitalised on the opportunity. The outcome of this match could have a tangible impact on their league trajectories.
