Hartlepool vs Rotherham United
9 March 1945hrs
Football – England – EFL Trophy
Pick Hartlepool
Bookmaker Boylesports
Odds: 9/2 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 7 March
Hartlepool and Rotherham are one game away from playing at Wembley as the two go head to head in the semi-final of the EFL Trophy on Wednesday evening.
Table of Contents
Hartlepool Preview – Will Hartlepool’s home record see them upset visitors?
It has been an upward trajectory for Hartlepool over the last 18 months. Dave Challinor had a very successful couple of years in charge of the club which culminated in them returning to the Football League having been away for four years. That success didn’t go unnoticed and despite Hartlepool’s best attempts to keep hold of him, he left for a new challenge. Former player Graeme Lee was appointed to take over and he is continuing the good work.
Hartlepool are comfortable in League Two, currently sitting in 12th spot with no chance of being relegated. Unfortunately, they are probably just too far away from the playoffs where they have to make up nine points on seventh placed Swindon. It’s not impossible they sneak in but it does look unlikely.
In addition to their encouraging return to league football, Hartlepool have done superbly to reach the last four of this competition. They finished second in their section, taking six points from three games – eventually finishing behind rivals Carlisle. They have since faced three League One teams and very big names at that – blowing away Sheffield Wednesday (away) before seeing off Bolton at home. Hartlepool required penalties to see off an improving Charlton side in the quarter-finals following a 2-2 draw.
Hartlepool’s form at home has been excellent as well. They have played 23 home games this season, losing only three and are unbeaten in their last 10 with six wins in that time.
Rotherham United Preview – Can League One leaders avoid any drama and reach the final?
Rotherham have been at the top of League One for the majority of the season and whilst still well placed, there are just a few doubts around their chances of staying not only there, but in the automatic promotion places altogether.
Saturday’s defeat at home to third place MK Dons means they have now won just two of their last five and there is now a realistic chance they could be overtaken by a couple of teams below them. Paul Warne will be hoping that a switch of focus to another competition can bring about an upturn in form.
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Rotherham topped their section, taking maximum points from their three matches. They were dominant in the group scoring 15 and conceding just once. The knockout phase has not been as straightforward, though, requiring penalties to see off both Port Vale and Cambridge United – they proved too good for Crewe in between those games.
Michael Smith may be in the advancing years of his career but he is having his best ever goal scoring season. Smith is on 18 in the league alone and has scored in twice in this competition.
Hartlepool vs Rotherham United Betting Advice
Rotherham occupy the highest league position a team can have in this competition and therefore are obviously favourites to win it. However, Hartlepool are very good at home and have already proven their credentials in the EFL Trophy by defeating three League One sides in the knockout phases, including one that is currently sitting in sixth place.
This will be the first meeting between the sides in nearly a decade and it was in this competition when Rotherham got the better of their opponents, that time at the quarter-final stage.
Key Facts – Hartlepool vs Rotherham United Betting Tip
- Hartlepool are unbeaten in their last 10 home games (six wins)
- Rotherham have scored 21 goals in their six EFL Trophy games so far this season
- This will be the first meeting between the teams in nine years which was also in this competition
With that good home form and their route to the final, I’m taking a chance on Hartlepool to upset their visitors. Rotherham have shown some vulnerability of late and the league is their priority.
Best Betting Odds for Hartlepool vs Rotherham United
