Hartlepool United desperately need points today at 8:45 PM in the National League. With the team sitting in the bottom three, this is quickly becoming a must-win situation.

Hartlepool United come into this fixture out of form (1W 2L recently). Southend United, meanwhile, arrive in red-hot form (4W from last 5) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Hartlepool United head into this on the back of a defeat, while Southend United arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Head-to-head records offer little separation — Hartlepool United and Southend United have split their 10 meetings almost evenly (2W–5D–3W). Their last encounter ended in a 1–1 draw.

Verdict: Southend United's quality should tell even on the road. Hartlepool United will push, but the visitors have too much class. Southend United to win.