O’s Look To Sink Pools

Leyton Orient will look to extend their lead at the top of the National League with an away victory against Hartlepool United. The O’s were in FA Trophy action last weekend, beating Blyth Spartans 1-0 on home soil.

Against the Spartans, Justin Edinburgh made several changes to the side that beat Maidstone and will be expected to bring senior members of the squad back into the starting eleven.

However, injury problems are likely to see defensive duo Jamie Turley and Dan Happe remain in the starting line-up after both playing the full 90 minutes against Blyth.

Josh Koroma remains side-lined after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-0 victory over Maidstone. The forward is expected to be unavailable for a further two weeks after staying with the club, despite being linked with a move away in the January transfer window.

James Dayton is also absent with a knee injury picked up against Boreham Wood, whilst Marvin Ekpiteta and Josh Coulson are unavailable as they recover from their respective injuries.

All Change

Hartlepool have been at the centre of managerial drama recently with a number of faces dropping in and out of the club.

Matthew Bates was given his marching orders in late November after nine months at the club, whilst his replacement Richard Money only lasted 43 days in charge. Craig Hignett is the latest to take the reins at the north-east side.

The Monkey Hangers sit mid-table in the league, having struggled to find form so far this season. The Pools have not been in action since 26^th January after their tie with Ebbsfleet United was postponed due to bad weather.

Carl Magnay was substituted at half-time in the game at Harrogate Town, while also missing the game against Braintree with a knee injury. The club will re-assess his fitness this week.

Liam Noble remains side-lined with a damaged tendon and is likely to face a further four weeks out. Luke Williams continues rehabilitation for a knee injury following surgery in November.

Luke Molyneux signed on-loan from Sunderland in mid-January after an impressive loan spell at Gateshead earlier in the season, while striker Jake Cassidy re-joined Maidstone United on-loan this Tuesday.

Form Book

Middle Men

Craig Clay’s return to the Orient starting eleven against Maidstone saw the O’s get back to winning ways following two defeats in a row in the National League. The midfielder’s creativity was sorely missed as Orient dropped points over the festive and New Year period.

The 26-year old has built a strong partnership with Charlie Lee in the middle of the park, which is proving to be an instrumental part of the O’s promotion charge.

With Liam Noble out injured, the Pools may look to loanee Luke Molyneux for a creative spark going forward. The 20-year old ended his loan spell at Gateshead in fine form, with parent club Sunderland keen to loan him out for more regular football.

Molyneux is an attacking midfielder, who can play out wide if needs be with the ability to assist and score.

Stat Attack

• Macauley Bonne has reached 20 goals for the second consecutive season after notching a brace at home to Maidstone last weekend.
• Dean Brill has kept 17 clean sheets in 35 games this season.

Straight Red

The O’s hosted Hartlepool on 13^th October where the two sides shared the spoils after a 0-0 draw at The Breyer Group Stadium.

James Dayton, Josh Koroma and James Alabi all went close for the O’s. However, Joe Widdowson’s dismissal moments before the hour mark made it tougher for Justin Edinburgh’s men to find the opening.

When and Where?

The match will take place this Saturday 9^th February at Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.