Carlislevs.Lincoln

The Cumbrians are propping up the League One table, while the visitors are currently sitting in the final playoff position.

Match preview

Having picked up just 27 points from 40 matches, Carlisle are on the brink of returning straight back to the fourth tier.

In fact, with 13 points separating them from safety, the Cumbrians will be relegated on Monday if they lose and Burton beat Barnsley.

Although the writing may be on the wall, Carlisle can still be proud of the fact they ended a five-game winless run in Friday's away meeting with Peterborough United.

Jon Mellish proved to be Carlisle's hero at the Weston Homes Stadium, scoring a hat-trick inside the hour to guide his team to a 3-1 victory over a Peterborough side that is currently sitting in the playoffs.

Paul Simpson's charges will now return to Brunton Park, where they will attempt to claim their first home win since beating Port Vale on New Year's Day.

While Carlisle are bracing themselves for relegation, Lincoln are dreaming of winning promotion via the playoffs after embarking on an irrepressible run of form.

Since losing to Blackpool in their first outing of 2024, the Imps have gone on to win nine and draw five of their next 14 league games.

They are also enjoying a four-game winning run after Jovon Makama netted a dramatic 90th-minute winner in Friday's home game against Leyton Orient, where the Imps produced another strong defensive display to record their seventh clean sheet in eight matches.

As a result of that 1-0 victory, Michael Skubala's side are currently sitting in the final playoff position due to their goal-difference advantage over seventh-placed Oxford United.

Having played three consecutive home games, the Imps will now head on their travels as they go in search of their first win over Carlisle since winning 2-0 in an FA Cup tie in December 2018.

Carlisle United League One form:

L

L

L

L

D

W

Lincoln City League One form:

W

D

W

W

W

W

Team News

Carlisle are unable to call upon midfielder Josh Vela, who is expected to be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Taylor Charters could also miss Monday's contest after he was forced off midway through the first half against Peterborough.

Jordan Gibson came off the bench to replace Charters, and he could be presented with a starting spot if the 26-year-old is unable to feature.

Lincoln, meanwhile, are unable to call upon the midfield duo of Ethan Hamilton and Conor McGrandles due to knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Ethan Erhahon missed the win over Leyton Orient through suspension, but he could return to the side for Monday's contest.

Makama may also be considered for a starting spot after coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in Friday's victory.

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Ellis, Lavelle, Barclay, Armer; Butterworth, McGeouch, Neal, Mellish, Gibson; Armstrong

Lincoln City possible starting lineup:

Jensen, Mitchell, O'Connor, Roughan; Sorensen, Bishop, Erhahon, Mandroiu, Hackett; Makama, Taylor

We say: Carlisle United 1-3 Lincoln City

Carlisle would have taken confidence from Friday's away performance, but we think they will struggle to produce another winning display on Monday.

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