On Saturday, Mark Hughes takes his Carlisle United side to Southern League Premier Central side Harborough Town in the FA Trophy.
Both sides are having good seasons and have been good form so this could be a very competitive and exciting game to watch.
How Have Both Teams Been Performing?
Harborough have only lost one game in all competitions this season and that was a 3-0 defeat at home to Altrincham in the FA Cup. In the league they are unbeaten wining 13 and drawing 5 of their first 18 games. They are second in the league and 4 points behind leaders Spalding United but have 3 games in hand on them.
Last time out they drew 1-1 away to Barwell despite being down to nine men.
The Cumbrians were unbeaten in 11 games before Sunday’s 4-1 defeat away to League One side Blackpool. Promotion from the National League is the priority but a good cup run would do the team no harm and help with momentum when going for promotion.
Last time out the blues were beaten 3-1 at Brunton Park by Woking.
Players To Watch
Riley O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan has nine goals to his name this season and is their top scorer in all competitions. The Carlisle United defence will have their hands full trying to keep this man quiet.
Brady Hickey
Hickey has six goals in all competitions so far this season and his been an integral part to Harborough’s excellent start to the season. Him and O’Sullivan know where the back of the net is and if they are to produce an upset here they will both need to be on top form.
My Predicted Carlisle United Starting Eleven
Lewis, Ellis, Feeney, Hayden, Harper, Macadam, Gilliead, Conn-Clarke, Linney, Williams, Kelly.
Heads need to roll after that performance on Wednesday so I’m hopeful that Mark Hughes may ring the changes but given he tends to stick with the same players frequently I can’t see it. So above is the team I think Hughes will pick and below I will put the team I would pick.
Breeze, Ellis, Feeney, Mugabi, Murray, Macadam, Gilliead, Whelan, Wearne, Conn-Clarke, Armstrong.
I’d play narrow given we’ve had next to know threat from out wide recently. Mark Hughes did say following the Woking defeat that he was going to rotate but because of the performance he’s not going to now so we can expect one of two things and they are a response or more of the same.
My Score Prediction
Harborough Town 2-1 Carlisle United
Given the last couple of performances from the Cumbrians I think the home side will fancy their chances in this one. Carlisle looked devoid of ideas and creativity against Woking and Harborough with their goal threat and excellent home form could capitalise on that.
I think this game has cup upset written all over it.
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