With the signing of Chris Conn-Clarke announced this week it has added some much needed quality in the attacking midfield department for Mark Hughes’ side. That signing has also had people look at the strength in depth that the Cumbrians have and today I’m going to be look at that myself.
Mark Hughes has the fortunate dilemma of having at the very least two players for every position and I’ll be looking at where they all fit in and what our strongest eleven is in this article.
A Closer Look At The Squad
Goalkeepers
In the goalkeeping department, the blues have one of the best keepers in the league in Gabe Breeze and he is one of the first names on the team sheet every week. His back up is Harry Lewis who despite his mixed performances in his time at Brunton Park is a a solid option if something was to happen to Breeze.
Defenders
At full-back, Archie Davies is first choice right-back and has performed well so far this season and as back up Mark Hughes can call upon the speedy wing-back Josh Williams, Jack Ellis who’s been playing midfield mainly and even Josh Grant can fill in if needed. Cameron Harper is first choice left-back and has been a solid performer so far this season, his back up is new signing from Manchester United Sam Murray who has played a couple of times this season in Harper’s absence but is still finding his feet.
In the centre of defence Carlisle United have depth as well. Club captain Terell Thomas had started most games under Mark Hughes until his recent injury, Morgan Feeney has captained the side in his absence and impressed many with his performances. Bevis Mugabi had been solid alongside Thomas until his injury but Aaron Hayden came in to replace him and scored the winner against Scunthorpe last weekend. All four are great options to have for Mark Hughes.
Midfield
The midfield is an area where I still think Carlisle could do with an experienced holding midfielder but there is still a lot of depth in those positions. Jack Ellis has been starting as the holder in midfield this season and his back up is experienced and versatile mid order Josh Grant.
In there with Ellis is Alex Gilliead who’s impressed since joining the club on loan from Shrewsbury Town. Stephen Wearne has been starting at the head of that three most of the season but there is a lot of competition for this positions with Callum Whelan, Elliot Embleton, Ethan Robson and Harvey Macadam all waiting in the wings and performing well when being called upon. New signing Chris Conn-Clarke is also added to these ranks and you’d think he will be starting in place of Wearne going forward.
Attack
On the wing Mark Hughes had options with Junior Luamba and David Ajiboye both offering pace and width down the right. Both players have played a lot this season but are yet to make that position their own. On the left Hughes has talisman Regan Linney who is the clubs top scorer so far this season with nine goals, forgotten man Jordan Jones can do a job on the left in the event of Linney’s absence.
Up top Carlisle have three standout strikers to choose from as well as Regan Linney who can play through the middle as well. Luke Armstrong started the season well and has four goals and two assists to his name so far but in recent weeks Georgie Kelly has been leading the line and has impressed, Kelly has three goals and one assist so far this season. The other striker is a forgotten man in Charlie Wyke, he’s been injured since the middle of last season and we don’t know when he’ll be back but when he’s fit he is an excellent option to have as well.
What Is The Cumbrians Strongest Team?
This is going to be the starting eleven that I think is the strongest not who I think Mark Hughes will pick. Hughes will have a closer insight than me obviously but I’m going off what I’ve seen and who I think will do the best jobs in their positions.
GK – Gabe Breeze
RB – Archie Davies
CB – Morgan Feeney (C)
CB – Bevis Mugabi
LB – Cameron Harper
CDM – Jack Ellis
CM – Alex Gilliead
CAM – Chris Conn-Clarke
RW – Junior Luamba
LW – Regan Linney
ST – Georgie Kelly
Do you agree with my strongest team? Please let us know in the comments.
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