Trip to the 'Pool - Hartlepool (a)

Leyton Orient make the long trip to the North West this weekend, as they head to Victoria Park to face relegation battlers Hartlepool United. Saturday`s clash could be crucial to both teams` league campaigns and OrientVital previews the clash between John Hughes and Russell Slade`s troops.

Hartlepool gaffer John Hughes could be set to make changes after a frustrating 0-0 draw against fellow strugglers Portsmouth. Despite a good recent run, the home team need to start winning games regularly and could look to target man Steve Howard in their quest for more firepower up front. Jordan Richards is out for the rest of the season after requiring surgery to fix his damaged knee cartilage. Antony Sweeney is still out for the pools with a knee problem.

The winger has been impressing for the home side from the substitute bench in recent weeks, as their lacklustre form has been turned around. Monkhouse has always impressed against Orient, and regardless whether he starts or comes off the bench he will certainly be a danger that the O`s need to quell.

Kevin Lisbie could be on the bench after returning to training earlier this week. Orient`s number nine has been in fantastic form this season and will be a welcome return to an already strong squad. After last week`s win against high flying Tranmere, it is expected that Slade will name an unchanged starting line-up.

Breaking his goal scoring duck for the O`s last week, MacDonald will be hoping to further add to his tally. The former MK striker has created a decent partnership in attack with David Mooney and the strugglers will have to be aware of the duo come Saturday afternoon.

Orient won the last encounter between the two teams back in the rescheduled match in October, with former loanee Ryan Brunt claiming the decisive goal.

Hartlepool`s form has turned around in recent weeks with them currently on a four match unbeaten run. However they will be perturbed by not taking the opportunity to go above 23rd place Portsmouth on Tuesday night. The Pools have had one win, one draw and two defeats from their home matches in 2013 so far.

Orient won their last away game when they were the visitors at Stevenage, but before that they had failed to pick up an away win in 2013 prior to that victory at Broadhall Way.

Orient: Southend (a) Feb 20, Crawley (h) Feb 23, Sheff Utd (a) Feb 26

Hartlepool: Scunthorpe (a) Feb 23, Crewe (h) Feb 26, Doncaster (a) Mar 2

Join Vital Leyton Orient

It's easy to REGISTER HERE, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!

Vital Orient on:

Vital Orient on:

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco