National League high-flyers Solihull Moors will play host to struggling League Two side Hartlepool United this weekend, as the competitive stages of the FA Cup begin. 

Neal Ardley's men are currently unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions. A run that dates back to the final qualifying round when the club beat Basford United. However, the club have drew both of their previous league matches. 

As for Hartlepool United, they've won just once in their last six matches in all competitions, which was during their last league game against Grimsby Town. Therefore, Keith Curle will be hoping his side have turned a corner ahead of this weekend's game.

 

Solihull Moors received a major injury boost in mid-week when midfielder Joey Jones made his first start for the club, after a long-term injury and multiple bench appearances recently.

Elsewhere, Neal Ardley is likely to start Ryan Boot ahead of Louie Moulden in goal, with the home side destined to name as strong of a squad as they possible can, with no exceptions. This means Andrew Dallas could return to the starting eleven. 

 

The League Two side are currently full of minor injury concerns ahead of this weekend's fixture. Manager Keith Curle will be hoping that trio Joe Grey, Mark Shelton and Mohamed Niang are all available. 

 

Former Solihull Moors winger Wes McDonald is likely to feature for the visitors whilst the team themselves are also very likely to field a full eleven. This will include one of League Two's top-scorers in Josh Umerah.

 

  • Predicted Line-Ups

Solihull Moors

Ryan Boot (GK) ; James Clarke, Alex Gudger, Fiarce Kelleher, Ben Coker ; Callum Maycock, Joey Jones ; Ryan Barnett, Joe Sbarra, Andrew Dallas ; Alex Reid (4-2-3-1)

 

Hartlepool United

Ben Killip (GK) ; Euan Murray, Alex Lacey, David Ferguson ; Reghan Turnity, Nicky Featherstone, Mohammad Sylla, Clarke Oduor ; Callum Cooke, Wes McDonald ; Josh Umerah (3-4-2-1)

 

  • Players To Watch

Alex Reid (Solihull Moors)

For the home side, there are a few players to watch but the standout is their hero from the previous qualifying round. This is striker Alex Reid, who re-joined the club in the summer, on loan from League Two side Stockport County.

 

To date, Reid has scored eight goals in sixteen appearances in all competitions so far this season, including a goal in the previous round. He can operate as a striker or winger, making him a constant nightmare for opposition defenders. Given the two sides are similar in ability despite the league difference, Hartlepool need to keep him quiet at all costs. 

 

Wes McDonald (Hartlepool United)

Despite having one of League Two's top-scorers at their disposal, when a former player makes a return against their former club, as a fan you  definitely have to keep a close eye on them. 

 

So far this season, McDonald has scored three goals in sixteen appearances for the club, which given the club's league position, is actually a very good return. He is a player that loves to run at the opposition, and will remain a threat throughout his entire time on the pitch. Therefore, Solihull need to keep close to him, and limit his chances of creating opportunities or having shots. 

 

  • Match Details

Where is the match being played?

Saturday's FA Cup tie between Solihull Moors and Hartlepool United will be played at the Armco Arena in Solihull. The ground has a capacity of around 3,000, but it won't reach max capacity. 

What time is kick-off?

In line with the majority of other matches taking place in the competition on Saturday, the game will kick-off at 3pm as it isn't being streamed on TV. In fact, all but three ties kick-off at the same time. 

How can I watch/listen to the game?

As covered above, the game is not being shown live, therefore, your only way to watch the game is by purchasing a match ticket from the club's website or on the gate. Both clubs will be posting live minute-by-minute updates across their social media, and the likes of Sky Sports, BBC Sport and BT Sport will cover live score updates. Finally, there is an option to listen via your local radio station, whether you're a home or an away fan.