Carlisle United vs Hartlepool United Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Preview

Everything points to a Carlisle win in this fixture as Keith Curle’s men have been excellent this season. With almost a quarter of the season already played they are still undefeated and they currently sit in third position and just six points off the early leaders. Curle looks to have built a side that is strong in both attack and defence as they boast the third best attacking record in the division and the third best scoring record. They also have the best of the head to head against their visitors on Saturday and are undefeated in the last six meetings between the sides, with five wins and a draw.

Hartlepool are on a good run themselves and after an indifferent start to the season they are undefeated in their last six games. Their turnaround in form has come as a result of tightening things up in defence as, even though they still have one of the worst defensive records in the division, they have only conceded four times in their last six outings. Go back just one game and you can probably find the reason for this turnaround, as it was in that fixture where they suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat away to Stevenage.

Even though Carlisle look to be clear favourites for this one we think Hartlepool are a tougher proposition than the bookies give them credit for. We think they will be confident of coming away with a result on Saturday and given that both of these sides have drawn seven of their 12 games this season we are tempted to back that record to be extended. With the odds being so generous, we are going to give ourselves a little room to breath and back Hartlepool on the double chance as this is still available at an attractive 6/4.