Never saw this game as being one Pools could get anything from, even more so now with the recent loss of form and suspensions hitting the squad.
I believe it does give Bates an opportunity to experiment, a little, and tweak his formation to 4 3 3.
Loach
Richardson Magnay Anderson Kitching
Woods Featherstone Noble
Donaldson Muir James
Assuming they are all fit (would change Newton for Woods if he's still injured), this should provide some solidity at the back and an injection of pace, Donaldson, further up the field.
I very much doubt that there will be any additions to the squad prior to the Gillingham game as recruits will, almost certainly, be loanees and their parent clubs won't wish to see them cup tied.