Steven Pressley believes it will be a 'difficult trip' with Hartlepool showing good form in League Two...
Coventry City manager Steven Pressley wants his City side to be wary of Hartlepool United ahead of their FA Cup second round clash.
The Sky Blues are currently in preparation for their trip to Victoria Park having enjoyed a min-break from football earlier in the week.
With Leon Clarke out injured, Callum Wilson suspended and loan duo Chris Dagnall and Chris Maguire ineligible, Pressley faces a selection 'challenge' as he will have to prepare his side without a recognised senior striker.
Hartlepool have already played League One opposition this season, in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the first round of the FA Cup, beating Bradford City, Notts County and Sheffield United.
With Pools currently mid-table in a congested League Two, Pressley wants his players to prepare in the right way as he looks to lead his City side into the third round of the FA Cup.
The City boss said: "It is important we don't make any mistakes looking ahead to this game as it is going to be really difficult for us to get the right result.
"The worst thing the players and the supporters is underestimate how difficult this game will be. They have played four games against teams in our division and won three of them which shows how dangerous they will be.
"Also, their home league form has been pretty impressive. They're unbeaten in their last five league games, winning four of them.
"It is a long trip and when we get there, they will want to make it difficult for us. To progress, there is no doubt we will need another top performance."
Hartlepool suffered relegation from League One last season and City recorded two victories over them, including a 5-0 victory at Victoria Park.
AFC Wimbledon provided a stern test for City in the first round and Pressley believes City will once again be well-matched by another League Two side.
He added: "They are very similar to us in a lot of ways. They are a very young side who look to get the ball down and play with an energy.
"The system they play is very much like the one we have, even though ours will be slightly different this weekend with the lack of a recognised senior striker.
"I think they have a good style of play because they really try to pass it. I have watched a number of their games and I have been really impressed.
"I think their manager has done a wonderful job and if we want to get through, we will be pushed to our very best."