Torquay United head into the National League playoff final against Hartlepool United having put together a 14-match unbeaten streak.
While the South-coast outfit are the marginal favourites for the showdown at Ashton Gate, Hartlepool are on a high after edging out Stockport County on away territory in the semi-finals.
Match preview
Having suffered three defeats from their final five fixtures, there was every indication that Hartlepool were running out of steam ahead of the playoffs.
However, Dave Challinor's side have looked re-energised during their fixtures with Bromley and Stockport, recording victories in contrasting styles to book their place in Sunday's final.
The Monkey Hangers scored three first-half goals to outclass their first opponents before a late strike from Rhys Oates proved decisive in the last-four clash at Edgeley Park.
Having inflicted a rare home defeat on Stockport, Challinor and his Hartlepool squad will be full of confidence ahead of facing a team who ended the regular campaign in second position.
Despite missing out on the title to Sutton United, Torquay have been remarkably consistent this season, their longest winless run being a three-match streak during March.
Since then, Gary Johnson has witnessed his team prevail in 11 of their next 17 matches, the only reverse coming by a 1-0 scoreline at Dagenham & Redbridge.
The Gulls went into the playoffs on the back of four draws in succession, but they showed character in outlasting Notts County during their semi-final clash at Plainmoor.
Forward Danny Wright netted a double during that contest, finding some form after spending the majority of 2021 on the sidelines.
While Hartlepool won the most recent fixture between these two teams by a solitary goal, Torquay hit five past their next opponents on away territory in October.
- L
- W
- L
- W
- W
- W
- W
- D
- D
- D
- D
- W
Team News
Given the level of performance against Stockport, Challinor will consider selecting the same Hartlepool XI from that fixture.
However, first-choice goalkeeper Ben Killip is back in contention after injury, while Lewis Cass could feature if he is able to shake off a hamstring problem.
Barring any late fitness issues, Johnson is expected to stick with the Torquay side which edged out Notts County.
Despite featuring regularly this season, Jake Andrews will almost certainly remain among the replacements.
Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:
James; Odusina, Johnson, Liddle; Sterry, Featherstone, Holohan, Shelton, Ferguson; Oates, Armstrong
Torquay United possible starting lineup:
Lucas; Wynter, Sherring, Cameron, Lewis; Hall, Randell; Lemonheigh-Evans, Little, Moxey; Wright
We say: Hartlepool United 1-2 Torquay United
Any team recording a win and clean sheet at Stockport this season deserves respect, and Hartlepool will get that from their opponents. However, we cannot ignore Torquay's form during the latter stages of the regular campaign, leading us to back a narrow victory for the Gulls.
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