- Scunthorpe form: Scunthorpe United have won one and lost four of their last five games (D0).
- Hartlepool form: Hartlepool United have won only one of their last five, losing their last three.
- Hartlepool away form: Hartlepool United have won only 1 of their 5 away games in the National League 2026/2027, conceding 7 goals in the process.
An early season scrap in Scunthorpe
Season context
Two sides with terrible records this season will do battle at Glanford Park, England, on Saturday as Scunthorpe United welcome Hartlepool United in the National League 2026-2027 season. The Iron sit 22nd in the table with seven points from nine matches, while Pools are 19th with nine points from the same amount of games, leaving both sides well off the pace at the turn of the season.
However, Scunthorpe will be the more desperate of the two sides as they prop up the table ahead of their visitors.
Managers and recent matches
Andy Butler has been in charge of Scunthorpe since 3rd May 2024, although his side have yet to get going this season, with back-to-back defeats following a 2-0 away win at Sutton United. A 1-2 home loss to Boreham Wood and a 1-0 defeat at Hornchurch has left Scunthorpe in desperate need of a boost.
Hartlepool boss Lee Clark has been in the job since 1st July 2026 and his high-tempo, high-pressing game has already stamped it's mark on Pools, who will be no pushovers on Saturday. Pools arrive here off the back of back-to-back losses, 2-1 away at Altrincham and 3-1 at home to Worthing, which leaves them in desperate need of a bounce back.
Scunthorpe should have enough at home
Scunthorpe United line-up in a 4-3-3 system, which allows them to build from the back, use overlapping full-backs, whilst also stretching the opposition. It is a nice set-up and one that should suit them on their home ground, although Pools' high-tempo pressing system could make this a midfield battle.
Lee Clark's men line-up in a 4-4-2 and will look to win the ball back high up the field, which should lead to some intense transition moments between these two teams. Scunthorpe should have the quality to come out on top, although Pools' press should keep this close enough to make it a real dogfight.
Pools could make this tough
Head-to-head and odds
The head-to-head record of these two National League 2026/2027 sides shows that Scunthorpe United have won 1 and drawn 1 of the last 2 meetings, while Hartlepool United are still searching for their first win. Scunthorpe are the favorites to win on the day at 1.99, while Pools are slight underdogs at 3.23 and the draw is listed at 3.4.
Prediction
Pools are the better placed of the two and with a fresh manager at the helm, we're going to take them to keep things tight here and give Scunthorpe a tough battle. Scunthorpe are coming off two straight defeats and have yet to beat Hartlepool in their last home game in this fixture. Scunthorpe are the favorite here, but we're taking Pools to keep this tight, so we're passing on the home side.
An end-to-end game is expected
With Pools pressing forward and Scunthorpe looking to build from the back, we're expecting an end-to-end affair here, which should be a good watch for the neutral. Over 2.5 goals in the match is priced at 1.7, so we'll go for that, alongside both teams to score at 1.6.
Key players
- Alfie Beestin is Scunthorpe's main goal threat, although with just 2 goals in 8 National League games, it's fair to say that the Iron haven't found their shooting boots yet this term.
- Tyrell Sellars-Fleming has managed 2 in their last 5, so the home team will be more dangerous of late.
- Corey McKeown is Pools' sharpest finisher with 2 goals in his 3 National League appearances, so he looks the best option in the anytime goalscorer bet.
