Newly promoted Hartlepool start life back in the EFL with a home game against Crawley on Saturday. Read our expert predictions and find the best odds for the fixture below in our match preview.
Hartlepool vs Crawley – Free Betting Tips & Predictions
Can Hartlepool start their League Two campaign with a bang when Crawley visit Victoria Park? Read our top three predictions for this weekend’s contest below.
Prediction 1
- Match Result
- Hartlepool to Win
- 5/4
Prediction 2
- Both Teams to Score
- Yes
- 4/5
Prediction 3
- Anytime Goalscorer
- Gavan Holohan
- No odds available yet
Contents
The odds presented here are always subject to change. One should check with the bookmaker before placing the bet. These odds are provided by William Hill, our recommended bookmaker for the big game.
Hartlepool to Win
National League playoff winners Hartlepool are finally back in the EFL after a four-year hiatus and with returning supporters set to line the stands at Victoria Park to cheer them on, we’re backing the hosts to harness home advantage against Crawley. Pool were a force to be reckoned with on their own patch last season where they won 14 of their last 16 matches, and we’re tipping them to carry that form into their first League Two test against Crawley on Saturday.
Both Teams to Score
A clean sheet might be tough for Hartlepool to secure on matchday one of the new League Two campaign however. Crawley looked threatening in attack in pre-season, netting in all but one of their eight summer friendlies and their forward players should be in confident mood following a productive month. Town kept a clean sheet in less than a third of their L2 assignments last term however, and we’re tipping BTTS to land on Saturday with those factors in mind.
Gavan Holohan to Score Anytime
With some of his more prolific teammates exiting over the summer, goal-getting Irish midfielder Gavan Holohan takes on more responsibility in the final third this term. The Hartlepool star notched an impressive eight times from deep in 2020/21 and the 29-year-old has the skill to make an opening day impact for Pools against Crawley.
Hartlepool vs Crawley: Match Preview
Hartlepool
Serial promotion winner Dave Challinor led Hartlepool back to the EFL last season, though they charismatic boss could have tough job keeping them there. Pools lost key defenders Ryan Johnson and Lewis Cass plus prolific forward pair Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong in the summer, and with big gaps in his team to fill, Challinor would probably accept League Two safety right now if it was guaranteed.
Crawley
Crawley battled their way to a respectable 12th place finish in League Two last season under John Yems, however, after a modest summer recruitment drive, improvement could be difficult to achieve in 2021/22. Most worryingly, The Reds have done little to address the lack of pace in a defence that conceded more goals than relegated Southend last term.
Top Betting Odds and Stats for Hartlepool vs Crawley
Here are the top stats for the game along with a tool to help you pick the best odds.
Hartlepool vs Crawley Coverage and Frequently Asked Questions
What stadium will the match be played at?
Saturday’s match will be played at Victoria Park in Hartlepool.
When does this fixture kick off?
The fixture is scheduled to start at 16:00 CET (GMT +1) on August 7.
Who will referee Saturday’s game?
Card happy official Scott Oldham will take charge of Saturday’s game.