Hartlepool United go into this match on a five-game streak without a win, after drawing the first match against Step 3 side Gainsborough and losing the replay in midweek. Sutton United also drew their 4th-round qualifying match against Step 3 side Farnham Town, but went on to win the replay.
Andy’s Bet Club’s football analyst will break down Hartlepool United’s recent league clash with York City to see what the statistics indicate about how they might set up against Sutton United.
Hartlepool United vs York City
Hartlepool performed roughly in line with their xG of 1.1; however, York City massively underperformed, scoring only two goals from 4.1xG. This shows how many chances Hartlepool allowed, with York recording 19 shots in total.
These chances were often of high quality, reflected in York’s average shooting distance of 20.7 metres. Almost half of Hartlepool’s 15 shots came from outside the box (seven of 15), compared to just two of 19 for York.
Hartlepool posed more of a threat from set pieces, with one-third of their shots coming from these situations. In total, 23% of their set pieces resulted in a shot, compared to 13% for York.
Defensively, York were dominant, winning 65% of their ground duels compared to 58% for Hartlepool, and 50% of aerial duels compared to 32% for Hartlepool.
Final Thoughts:
Hartlepool United’s attack is likely to cause less threat than Sutton have faced so far this season, with Hartlepool averaging 0.9 goals per match, compared to the 1.8 that Sutton typically concede.
They are less likely to apply pressure through crosses, averaging 16 per match compared to 22 from Sutton’s average opponent, and completing them with slightly less accuracy, at 33% versus 36%.
The battle in the air is expected to be evenly matched, with both teams averaging around a 40% aerial duel success. However, Hartlepool could make good use of set pieces, averaging 4.4 shots from these situations, compared to 2.6 for Sutton.
Hartlepool also tend to be slightly more accurate in dangerous forward passes, completing 59% of passes into the final third, compared to the 56% Sutton’s opponents have managed this season.
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Photo Credit: Hartlepool United Football Club