Carlisle United travel to face Altrincham at Moss Lane on Saturday in a National League fixture that could see them close the gap on the top six. The match kicks off at 3pm local time as part of the league's sixteenth round.
Paul Simpson's Carlisle side sit ninth in the National League standings with 23 points from 15 games, a record of six wins, five draws and four defeats. Their recent form is strong, with four wins and a draw from their last five outings. Altrincham are three places and five points better off in sixth, having collected 28 points so far this season from eight wins, four draws and three losses.
Current form and league position
Simpson's team are on a three-game winning run in the league. They beat Harrogate Town 3-0 last time out, with goals from Williams, Whelan and Ryan Galvin. That followed a 2-1 comeback win at Solihull Moors and a 3-1 victory at Aldershot Town earlier in October. The Cumbrians have scored 28 goals this campaign, matching their opponents' total.
Altrincham's form has also been solid, though they were held to a goalless draw by Kidderminster Harriers in their most recent league match. Prior to that, they recorded league wins over Yeovil Town and Aldershot Town, and scored six in an FA Cup tie against United of Manchester.
The challenge ahead
The hosts have conceded 28 goals this campaign, six more than Carlisle's 21. Carlisle's attacking output gives them a positive goal difference of seven, a foundation they will look to build on. With leaders Boreham Wood 18 points clear, the immediate focus for United is consolidating a play-off push. A win could see Carlisle move to within two points of their hosts.
Carlisle's last starting squad featured Desbois in goal, with a back four of Feeney, Richardson, Nicholson and Duru. The midfield trio of Whelan, Bunker and Azeez provided the platform for forwards Williams, Obiero and Ajiboye in the Harrogate win. Simpson reported no new injury concerns ahead of the trip.
Altrincham are expected to field a side built around goalkeeper Isted and forward Kirk. Their last league outing saw them line up with a back four of Barnes, Crawford, Cooper and Taylor, with Dan Mooney and Regan Linney providing support in attack. Defender Eddy Jones is a doubt after missing the Kidderminster game.
The contest at Moss Lane is scheduled for Saturday 31 October, with Carlisle's next fixture a home game against Rochdale the following weekend.
