Preview: Hartlepool United vs. Weymouth - prediction, team news, lineups

Hartlepool United play host to Weymouth on the final day of the National League season looking to find some form ahead of their appearance in the playoffs.

While the home side are pushing to finish in the top three, their opponents will conclude the campaign in 18th position after five defeats in six games.

Match preview

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Hartlepool are one of a number of teams in the National League title race who have faltered in recent games, allowing Sutton United to be crowned champions ahead of the final 90 minutes of action.

Nevertheless, the Monkey Hangers still have plenty to play for with victory on Saturday potentially earning the club a spot in the playoff semi-finals.

While Dave Challinor and his squad require a favour from Yeovil Town against Stockport County, it gives the North-East outfit something to aim for after three defeats in four games.

Their 3-0 reverse at Sutton last weekend extended their run without a clean sheet to six fixtures with 12 goals being conceded during that period.

Although Hartlepool saw their five-month unbeaten home record come to an end against Maidenhead United on May 8, Challinor will be optimistic that his team can get back on track on Saturday.

Despite losing nine of their most recent 13 fixtures in the fifth tier, Weymouth have comfortably avoiding the drop to the National League South.

On the back of promotion during 2019-20, The Terras have done everything asked of them in their first year back at this level of football.

However, Brian Stock will want his team to finish a hectic season on a high, particularly having shown some promise away from home not so long ago.

Like their opponents, Weymouth suffered a 3-0 defeat last time out, succumbing 3-0 to promotion-chasing Notts County.

Team News

With third place still a possibility, Challinor is unlikely to make many changes to his Hartlepool starting lineup.

Luke Molyneux could be drafted back into the midfield with Ryan Donaldson dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

Zaine Francis-Angol may be given another opportunity to make an impression after coming through his first 90 minutes for a number of months against Sutton.

With little to play for, Stock may consider keeping his loan signings in reserve, giving opportunities to players who have more chance of featuring next season.

Goalkeeper Gerard Benfield could make his first appearance since January, while Josh Leslie-Smith, Jordan Ngalo and Pierre Fonkeu may return to the team.

Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:

James; Francis-Angol, Oates, Johnson, Sterry, Cass, Featherstone, Molyneux, Liddle, Holohan, Armstrong

Weymouth possible starting lineup:

Benfield; Harfield, Leslie-Smith, Mensah, Brooks, Robinson, Murray, McCarthy, Worman, McQuoid, Dallas

We say: Hartlepool United 2-0 Weymouth

Having already secured their fifth-tier status, Weymouth will be playing for pride at the weekend. Nevertheless, we still expect a relatively comfortable afternoon for Hartlepool, who need to build momentum for their upcoming fixtures.