Carlislevs.Walsall

The Cumbrians are underdogs but even a point could lift them from the bottom of the table, while the Saddlers will be desperate to get back on track having stumbled in recent weeks.

Match preview

Mark Hughes was announced as the new Carlisle boss on February 6 with the team in last place, two points behind 23rd-placed Morecambe and five from safety.

The Wales legend and former Manchester United great oversaw two defeats in his opening two games, but the Cumbrians have picked up four points from their last three league fixtures, drawing twice and winning once.

Most recently, Hughes's side recorded their first victory for six matches in Thursday's Cumbrian derby, when Matthew Dennis ended his team's 374-minute wait for a goal with the only one of the game against Barrow.

Tuesday's hosts may have remained in 24th place after taking all three points last time out, but they are now level on points with Morecambe and are just three behind Tranmere Rovers - the first club safe from the drop zone - and it would be fair to say that the new manager has made a significant difference already.

It is also commendable that Carlisle have kept three clean sheets on the bounce in the three games leading up to their midweek clash, and they will take confidence from their newfound defensive resilience despite going up against the title favourites.

Meanwhile, Mat Sadler's Walsall are at the upper end of the table but are on a downward trajectory, having won just one of their last nine games, dropping 18 points in the process.

The Saddlers were exceptional prior to the turn of the year and were undoubtedly the favourites for the title having amassed a seemingly unassailable lead, though second-placed Bradford City are now just four points behind them.

On Friday, Sadler's men followed up their disappointing 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town with a 1-0 loss against mid-table Swindon Town, a result that ended their 12-game unbeaten run at Bescot Stadium.

This matchday, fans will be concerned with the fact that Tuesday's visitors have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six matches on the road, and given that the pressure is mounting on Walsall to keep ahead of their rivals, they will be desperate to seize maximum points against the division's bottom club.

The Saddlers won the reverse fixture 3-1 back in October, but knowing that they will be facing a renewed Carlisle under Hughes will have the league leaders on edge, regardless of the disparity between the teams' positions in the table.

Carlisle United League Two form:

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Walsall League Two form:

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Team News

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With Carlisle showing an immense improvement on the defensive front, Hughes is likely to stick with a back four of Archie Davies, Samuel Lavelle, Terell Thomas and Cameron Harper in front of Gabriel Breeze between the sticks.

Further forward, Cumbrian derby match-winner Matthew Dennis should start up top, supported by Cedwyn Scott and Kadeem Harris out wide.

As for Walsall, a backline of Oisin McEntee, David Okagbue and Taylor Allen will be looking to keep just their second clean sheet of 2025.

Elsewhere, the duo of Jamille Matt and Ellis Harrison will start up top once again, though Albert Adomah and Levi Amantchi could be needed to make an impact from the bench considering their opponents have been difficult to break down under their new boss.

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Breeze; Davies, Lavelle, Thomas, Harper; Guy, Whelan; Scott, Embleton, Harris; Dennis

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Simkin; McEntee, Okagbue, Allen; Barrett, Jellis, Comley, Stirk, Gordon; Matt, Harrison

We say: Carlisle United 1-1 Walsall

Given this match is a clash of top against bottom, Walsall will be huge favourites to take what would be an important three points.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

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