Scunthorpe vs Hartlepool - National League

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Scunthorpe and Hartlepool together at the home ground on September 26, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the National League occasion. Chelsea could do with a morale-boosting win when they face AC Milan in Jakarta.

Scunthorpe head into the contest positioned 18th in the National League standings, while Hartlepool arrive sitting 14th. Consistency has eluded Scunthorpe in recent weeks, with WLLWL in their last five and a win rate of 28.57% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, L in their last five and a win rate of 42.86% to show for it. Where Scunthorpe have leaned on defensive discipline, Hartlepool have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Scunthorpe will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Hartlepool will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Man United striker Joshua Zirkzee is facing interest over a move away from Old Trafford.(Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire) Arsenal are growing in confidence at snapping up two Manchester United prospects, according to the Telegraph.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Given the balance of the numbers, Hartlepool look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 1-2 away victory is a distinct possibility. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.