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Match Previews

Preview: Carlisle United

13 November 2020

Match Previews

Preview: Carlisle United

13 November 2020

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Following two consecutive cup fixtures it's a return to League Two action this weekend with a long journey north to Carlisle United (kick-off: 3pm).

Back-to-back wins over South Shields and Norwich City under-21s have set things up nicely for a tough outing at Brunton Park in what will be a 5th against 6th clash for matchday 12 of the League Two season.

Having not won away from home in the division since a 2-0 victory at Southend United in mid-October Michael Duff's side will be aiming to come back down the M6 and M5 with something to show for their efforts.

You can watch Saturday's match online with iFollow. Purchase a match pass and enjoy the game from home.

Team news

West Bromwich Albion loanee Finn Azaz is back in contention having returned to training so could be a part of the matchday squad.

Fellow West Brom loanee Josh Griffiths is set to miss out on as he's on international duty with the England under-20s squad. As a result Scott Flinders or Max Harris are expected to play in goal.

Sean Long is out through injury and George Lloyd is now back in contention after returning following his concussion protocols.

Watch Michael Duff's pre-match press conference looking ahead to the game, and Reuben Reid has also been previewing the trip north.

Opposition

Carlisle United manager Chris Beech is approaching his one year anniversary as manager of the Cumbrians. The current campaign is his first full season in charge and he will be delighted with how it's gone so far.

Heading into Saturday they sit 5th in League Two having accumulated 20 points from their 11 games so far.

They are also into the second round of the FA Cup, albeit in tense circumstances, as they squeezed past Southern Premier South side Hayes & Yeading United in a penalty shootout last weekend to secure a second round tie against League One Doncaster Rovers.

After a couple of years of having Penrith born Adam Collin as goalkeeper they now have former Lincoln City man Paul Farman as their go to between the posts.

In defence the physically imposing Aaron Hayden offers presence in their back-line, while Nick Anderton, former Manchester United youngster George Tanner, Max Hunt and Rhys Bennett, who has signed this week on a short-term deal, are options.

Jon Mellish's goals from midfield have been crucial so far this season for them and the South Shields born 23-year-old will offer a goal threat from midfield this weekend.

In that area of the pitch they can also turn to the likes of Joe Riley and Callum Guy, while South Africa international Dean Furman provides good experience too.

Their forward line features a familiar face in Scotsman Gavin Reilly. The nimble attacker spent the first half of last season on loan at Cheltenham and always has an eye for goal.

His fellow front men include Omari Patrick, Joshua Kayode who is on loan again this season from Rotherham United and teenager Micah Obiero who is also on loan.

The manager: Chris Beech

This is Chris Beech's first permanent managerial role and it is just under a year since he was officially appointed to the position.

Previously the 46-year-old was a part of the coaching staff at Rochdale, which was also the club where he ended his playing career where he operated as a midfielder.

He was a long-term part of the Rochdale backroom staff before he had the opportunity to become number one in the dugout with the Cumbrians.

As well as playing for Rochdale he also turned out for the likes of Blackpool, Hartlepool United and Huddersfield Town in his playing days.

One to watch: Lewis Alessandra

A player who boasts bags full of Football League experience, Lewis Alessandra is a threat going forward and can perform in a number of attacking positions.

The 31-year-old has featured regularly for Carlisle this season, making 15 appearances in all competitions, and has got three goals to his name so far.

After breaking through at Oldham Athletic, Alessandra has gone onto feature for the likes of Morecambe, Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, York City, Hartlepool United and Notts County.

Watch on iFollow

Saturday's game is available to watch online if you purchase a match pass to view on iFollow.

You can subscribe online to watch the full 90 minutes. A match pass is available for £10.

Coverage

Stay up to date with action from Brunton Park by following @CTFCofficial on Twitter. Team news and goal updates will also be on the club's Facebook page and Instagram account.

Post-match visit the club website to read a match report and to see reaction from the manager and a member of the playing squad.

You can also watch extended highlights from the match on iFollow.


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