by The Rovers Review

The title race heats up as it goes down to the final day of the season as Rovers prepare to take on relegation-threatened, Hartlepool United.

To be crowned champions, Rovers need to make sure that they get three points and that Plymouth fall to a defeat at the hands of Rovers local rivals, Grimsby Town.

Pre-match, Darren Ferguson confirmed there was no more injuries sustained to his team meaning only defender, Mathieu Baudry will be unavailable for this game.

After changing tactics and formation last weekend - playing 4-3-3 with Marquis up top on his own, supported by Rowe and Blair on the left and right respectively - he said that he'd be going back to something more familiar for Rovers (so the 4-4-2 looks to make a comeback). This in turn means a place has just opened up next to John Marquis for this game with Alfie May, Liam Mandeville and Andy Williams all looking to make their way back into the team.

In an attempt for Rovers to have one last chance of claiming the league two title, Ferguson has changed how he's done his training this week, citing that he's made it more "fun" for the players, because he thinks that the pressure of winning the title has got to the players and caused this 'dip' in form, so he's decided to try and take the weight off of the player's shoulders.

Former Rovers striker, Billy Paynter will be entering his second game as assistant manager of Hartlepool United and former Rovers defender, captain and manager, Rob Jones is out injured for the Pools.

Head-to-heads
Hartlepool haven't won any of their last 8 games drawing 2 two of them and losing the rest, consequently, this puts Hartlepool as the team with the worst form in the league. While Rovers have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 4 from their 8 games.

Defensively, Hartlepool are the second worst team in the league after conceding 74 goals from 45 games and Rovers have conceded 53 in as many games.

Players to watch
Their top goal scorer is Padraig Amond who has scored 14 league goals this season. For assists, striker, Lewis Alessandra has got the most for the Pools with him making 9 assists in the league.

Previous encounters
During the reverse fixture this season, Rovers won 2-1 at the Keepmoat with goals from John Marquis and Liam Mandeville and their current top goal-scorer, Amond cut the deficit for the Pools that day too.

Last time Rovers visited Victoria Park was in league one during 2012 where it finished 1-1 with Rovers only goal coming from Rob Jones.

Overall, Rovers have won 38, drawn 28 and lost 34 against Hartlepool since 1924.

Predicted lineup v Hartlepool United
Lawlor; Alcock, Wright, Butler, Mason; McCullough, Blair, Rowe, Coppinger; Mandeville and Marquis.