Carlisle United v Eastleigh Preview

On Saturday, Mark Hughes in form Carlisle United side welcome Scott Bartlett’s out of form Eastleigh side to Brunton Park.

The Cumbrians will be looking to build on their nearly perfect recent form against a struggling Eastleigh.

How Have Both Teams Been Performing?

Carlisle have won four and drawn one of their last five games in all competitions and have seven wins in their last eight. Those wins include victories over Hartlepool, Scunthorpe, Forest Green and Halifax in the National League, wins over Reading and Boston in the FA Cup, the only blemish on that recent record was a draw away to Yeovil.

Last time out Mark Hughes’ side produce a battling performance to grind out a 2-1 win at Southend.

Eastleigh have had the opposite run to Carlisle and only have one win, one draw and four defeats in their last six games in all competitions. Those defeats were at the hands of Sutton and Boreham Wood in the National League, Walsall in the FA Cup, their draw came at home to Scunthorpe and their only win in that time came at home to struggling Morecambe.

Last time out Eastleigh produced a spirited display but were beaten at home 4-2 by York City.

Players To Watch

Luke Skinner

The 17-year-old forward only joined Eastleigh at the start of October on loan from Bristol City but he has found his feet in recent weeks and scored two goals against York City last time out.

His movement off the ball and runs in behind defenders will keep the Carlisle defence on their toes as he likes to try and replace the Eastleigh’s injured top goalscorer Aaron Blair.

Archie Harris

The 20-year-old wing back has been a constant threat for Eastleigh this season. His runs forward in to the left wing position and his crosses in to the danger area have already seen his notch up five assists so far this season.

Southend got a lot of joy down their left against Carlisle at the weekend so I expect Eastleigh to maybe target that area again through Harris.

Ciaran McGuckin

The 21-year-old forward has been Eastleigh’s main goal threat since Aaron Blair’s injury but wasn’t in the squad against York so he could be injured as well now sadly but if he does play a part he will certainly be one to watch.

His goal threat and ability to find space in the box is exceptional and he will look to find those pockets of space against Carlisle if he does play.

Josh Lundstram

The 26-year-old midfielder will be looking to get on the ball for Scott Bartlett’s side and dictate the play, Carlisle’s midfield will have to stop that from happening. He will keep the ball ticking over and looking to give the ball to the creative players and the forwards in key areas.

Lundstram is hard in the challenge and will be looking to fight hard in the centre of the pitch against Macadam and Gilliead for Carlisle.

My Predicted Carlisle United Starting Eleven

Breeze, Ellis, Feeney, Hayden, Harper, Macadam, Gilliead, Conn-Clarke, Williams, Linney, Kelly.

Why change a winning team? I think Hughes will stick with his trusted team with the exception of maybe Luamba dropping out after going off injured against Southend with Davies or Ellis coming in at right back and Williams playing further forward.

My Score Prediction

Carlisle United 3-1 Eastleigh

I think Eastleigh will put in a spirited display like they have done against other top sides this season but Carlisle are in such good form and are creating chances even in the difficult away games that I think the Cumbrians will have too much in the final third for Eastleigh.

Carlisle have only lost once at home this season and have been strong at home in recent weeks so this will be a tough afternoon for Eastleigh.

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