- Marine have won their last four consecutive games, and are averaging 2.00 goals per away game in all competitions.
- Hartlepool United have lost their last three home games in all competitions and are only averaging 0.40 goals scored in their home games in all competitions this term.
- Both sides are approaching the match from different styles - Pools favour 3-5-2 with lots of pressing and long vertical balls, while Marine prefer a compact block and have been picking their moments for transitions and set-pieces.
Hartlepool United are in disarray at the back
Pools boss Peter Wild, who took over on 1st October 2026, is yet to have found the right formula for his side to find their groove at their home ground. United have lost each of their last three games here, which is a significant concern given that this weekend they face a Marine side. The Mariners have won their last 4 games and are 4-1 up across their last 5 in all competitions. Neil Young, who has been at the club since 1st September 2020, looks to have turned things around for his team, and their recent run suggests that they could be ready to take another step forward in their development.
An away win looks the most likely outcome
While Pools are the larger club and play in the higher league, Marine come into this game in much better form. Marine have won six of their last ten in all competitions, while Hartlepool have won just twice across the same period, which is why I am favouring the visitors on the double chance market.
In terms of the styles of these two sides, Marine may be better suited to this clash. Pools like to dominate the ball and keep the opposition penned back, but if they leave gaps in behind the back three when they commit forwards, then Marine should be capable of picking them off at the right moments.
Marine are set to pick Pools off
Marine have kept it relatively tight across their last couple of wins, beating Warrington Town 2-0 in FA Cup Qualification 2026 and Spalding Utd 1-0 in National League North 2026, and I'm not expecting anything too wild in this game.
Marine have averaged just 2.00 goals per-away-game in all competitions this season, so it could be a case of just a couple here. Both Teams to Score - No at 19/20 looks a decent price given that this looks a game where Marine can shut Pools out and do the damage themselves.
There should be chances at both ends to force an open game and Over 2.5 goals at 31/50 looks the way to go. Will Harris has been the spark for Pools in recent weeks, scoring 2 of their 6 goals across the last 5 games. However, Marine have looked quite spread across the front line, which should lead to a more fluid game, and I'm expecting them to edge it on the road.
Marine to win at 9/2 is the main recommendation here, with the away price looking fair given their good recent away run.
