Hartlepool v MK Dons preview

A FEW weeks ago and seven wins from 12 was the magic equation for Hartlepool United. With six games to go, they now target six wins from six.
Even then, and it’s highly unlikely they can complete their task, it might not be enough to keep them in League One.
And they go into their Easter double header, at home to MK Dons this afternoon followed by a trip to Stevenage on Monday, a striker down.
Striker Steve Howard yesterday completed a surprise loan move to Sheffield Wednesday, swopping one relegation scrap for another.
Howard’s return to Victoria Park this season has not worked out as planned and will stay at Hillsborough until the end of the season, while he still has 12 months remaining on his Pools’ contract.
He has just three goals to his name from 35 games this campaign – all against Wednesday’s city rivals Sheffield United.
Last week he was jeered when substituted in the closing stages of the 0-0 draw with Walsall.
Howard, 36, who has been hampered by a knee injury, will face Barnsley for the Owls tomorrow, the move coming after Hillsborough boss Dave Jones made a failed attempt to land Bolton’s Kevin Davies.
With Howard completing his move before the 5pm Football League emergency loan deadline, Pools won’t be signing a replacement.
Two players boss John Hughes has been keen on signed for other clubs yesterday, with Middlesbrough’s Matty Dolan returning to Yeovil on loan and ex-Newcastle striker Dennis Knight signing for Barnsley.
Charlie Wyke will start up front this afternoon, and Pools need to kick themselves out of the lethargic run that has followed their 3-0 win over Crewe on February 26.
Since then, six games down the line, they have not scored let alone won.
“I don't think for one moment the boys have given up on it,’’ said Hughes.
“We just need to keep them spirited and believing in themselves.
“We have to go and try to win the last six games – and I think we might have to.
“With a little bit of lady luck anything can happen. Six games to go, hopefully we can put it right.’’
Their sudden dip in form has seen them drop to the bottom of the table. Oldham, the team above the drop line, have a better goal difference and three games in hand on Pools.
Hughes added: “I scratch my head to say 'how can we not put in the sort of performance we did against Crewe?'.
“We scored three goals, we were at them and we were playing with a passion and a spirit.
“I will put out the best team possible and all of the attacking guys will come into my thinking.
“We might have to fly by the seat of our pants.
“I'm constantly assessing who wants to be in this dogfight.’’
Hughes is ready to change formation today, moving away from the protective 4-3-2-1 set-up and going 4-4-2.
But his options are being hampered by injury, with a number of players suffering.
“We're carrying a lot of knocks and a few of the lads haven't been training,’’ he admitted. “One or two have knocks and there's been a bit of a bug going around.
“We've not had the chance to get them all on the training pitch.
“If we have to open up with two up front and natural winners then so be it and we might be a bit exposed in an expansive style of play.
“But we have to go for bust.
“Charlie (Wyke) is nursing a heel problem. Franksy has a back problem, Evan (Horwood) has an ankle injury and Sam (Collins) with his calf.
“So we'll rest them up and hopefully they'll be okay for tomorrow and Monday.’’
Jack Baldwin is ready to return after playing 45 minutes for the reserves in midweek, with Luke James in Hughes’ thoughts after netting a quick-fire hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Rotherham.