Cambridge United vs Hartlepool United FC - Medy Elito set for Cambridge start after hat-trick heroics

Posted Monday, March 13, 2017 by PA

Medy Elito is eyeing a place in the starting line-up as Cambridge host Sky Bet League Two strugglers Hartlepool at the Abbey Stadium.

Summer signing Elito came off the bench at half-time to score a second-half treble during Saturday's comfortable 3-0 victory at promotion hopefuls Carlisle and - after starting on the bench in the last four matches - could have earned himself a start.

Shaun Derry's side are full of confidence heading into Tuesday night's clash after recording just one defeat in their past six league games as they look to build on a two-match unbeaten run.

The match is likely to come too early for striker Barry Corr, who is nursing a groin injury, while Uche Ikpeazu (hamstring), Josh Coulson (ankle) and Adam McGurk (thigh) are long-term absentees.

Hartlepool boss Dave Jones is hoping for a fitness boost after finding his options significantly reduced for Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Notts Country.

Midfielder Brad Walker, who has been pressed into service as an emergency central defender in recent weeks, could return after sitting out the game at Meadow Lane with an ankle problem.

Defenders Matthew Bates (also ankle) and Sean Kavanagh (hamstring) also missed out at the weekend and are being assessed.

Striker Billy Paynter is also being closely monitored by medical staff following injections to address a persistent Achilles problem, while full-back Carl Magnay is gradually working his way back from knee ligament damage.