On Saturday, Carlisle United get their FA Cup campaign underway, the Cumbrians welcome fellow National League side Boston United to Brunton Park as both sides aim to make the first round of the FA Cup.
Graham Coughlan’s side have had an upturn in form as of late and will be a tough test for Mark Hughes’ side.
How Have Both Teams Been Performing?
Carlisle United have had a mixed last five games, they have lost three and won two. Mark Hughes’ side have had a hard run of fixtures which included a trip to York where they were well beaten 5-0, they then were beating at home 2-0 by in form Rochdale but managed to pick up a couple of wins against Hartlepool at Brunton Park and away to Altrincham and last time out they ended Scunthorpe United’s unbeaten run with a hard fought 1-0 win.
Boston have had an upturn in their form lately and their last five games reflect that. The Pilgrims are unbeaten in their last four National League games. They have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games. Their last defeat was at home to Boreham Wood and since then they have beaten Braintree at home, drawn with Sutton United and top of the table Forest Green and last time out they beat Gateshead away from home 3-1.
Players To Watch
Lenell John-Lewis
The experienced striker has been a thorn in Carlisle United’s side on previous occasions for his former clubs and has a real eye for goal. The 36-year-old has five goals in all competitions so far this season in a team that has found goals hard to come by.
Gregory Sloggett
The Irish midfielder has been a constant this season for Graham Coughlan’s side and he will look to dictate play in the midfield. He will look to get his foot on the ball and want to dominate the midfield. The 29-year-old has two goals and two assists in all competitions so far this season.
Matty Carson
The attacking full back has been a constant threat for Boston this season, his ability to get up and down the pitch and deliver balls in to the danger area will be something for Carlisle’s defence to take a close look at. The 22-year-old has one goal and three assists in all competitions so far this season.
Zak Mills
The Boston captain is a commanding presence at the back, he can play at right back and centre back and will be a huge threat form set pieces. The 33-year-old experienced defender is a Boston legend and has had experience in the EFL for teams such as Grimsby, Oldham and Morecambe.
My Predicted Carlisle United Starting Eleven
Breeze, Davies, Hayden, Feeney, Harper, Grant, Gilliead, Wearne, Ajiboye, Linney, Kelly.
A good cup run will be something that Mark Hughes will be looking at and will want to field a strong side in this one. The team pretty much picks itself at the moment especially after the lack of impact changing formations had in recent weeks.
At the back I’d stick with who played so well at Scunthorpe. The midfield picks itself really but Grant has impressed off the bench recently so he may get a start in the cup and Whelan could also come in for same valuable game time.
Up front, Luamba took a bad knock to the head at Scunthorpe so he may be rested and that would mean Ajiboye or Williams comes in for him but Linney and Kelly should start for sure.
My Score Prediction
Carlisle United 3-1 Boston United
I expect the blues to have to much quality in key areas for Boston but we can’t underestimate them as they are four games unbeaten and have steadied the ship after a poor start to the season.
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