Hartlepool vs Carlisle tips and predictions

Quality League Two clash likely to be close

All eventualities are on the table here so tread carefully when assessing this one. Building on the strong rearguard performances of both sides, a goalless stalemate is the pick.

These sides have impressed at the back. Having created something of a fortress at home, Hartlepool have conceded at an average of just 0.5 goals per game over their last 4 matches, while Carlisle have only conceded 0.7 goals per game on average in their last 3 away matches.

In previous matches in this head-to-head 3 of the last 4 have been draws.

It would be nonsense to argue that the favourites are a dead-cert here. It's perfectly credible that the two sides cancel each other out in a war of attrition. It is not huge value but the No BTTS bet seems fair enough.

Hartlepool have drawn 10 of their last 20 matches on their own soil. Also Carlisle have drawn 7 of their last 13 matches. They drew with Crewe last week and while the prediction is for any stalemate, a scoreline of 0-0 shouldn't be dismissed here. It isn't very exciting and it feels like a match to be wary of. Stalemate beckons after what could be a low-scoring affair.