Hartlepool United FC vs Colchester United - Featherstone expected to be fit

Hartlepool expect Nicky Featherstone to be fit for the visit of Colchester but must do without Jake Orrell.

Featherstone sat out his side's final pre-season friendly with a groin problem but that was a precaution and is not thought to affect his chances of starting the season.

Orrell, though, has been ruled out with a thigh problem.

New signings Lewis Alessandra and Padraig Amond are threatening Nathan Thomas' spot up front, while former Dover man Nicky Deverdics could also make his competitive bow in midfield.

Colchester goalkeeper Sam Walker looks set to play his first competitive game after almost a year out with a serious knee injury.

Craig Slater, who joined from Kilmarnock, could start in midfield following an impressive pre-season.

Full-back Lewis Kinsella is another in line to make his debut after joining on a one-year deal following his release by Aston Villa, in a team led by new skipper Luke Prosser, a free transfer from Southend. Fellow summer signings Doug Loft, Kurtis Guthrie, Denny Johnstone and Brennan Dickinson could feature as well.

Left-back Matt Briggs remains sidelined with a hip problem.