Carlislevs.Wigan

The two sides are set to meet for the second tie in less than a month after Wigan clinched a 2-0 victory in an EFL Trophy clash on October 8.

Match preview

Carlisle may welcome the distraction of an FA Cup fixture after failing to win any of their last nine competitive matches since beating Swindon in Mike Williamson's first game in charge.

Seven of those nine matches have taken place in the fourth tier, which has seen Carlisle record two draws and five defeats.

After drawing with Harrogate Town earlier this month, the Cumbrians have gone on to lose back-to-back matches against Walsall and Cheltenham Town, leaving them in the League Two drop zone and four points adrift from safety.

They will ultimately put their survival bid on hold as they turn their focus to Saturday's FA Cup clash, with the hosts looking to reach the second round for the ninth time in 10 seasons.

However, the only time they failed to reach the second round in that period was in last season's competition when they suffered a 3-1 defeat in their round one clash with Leyton Orient.

Like their hosts, Wigan are also experiencing a disappointing league campaign, having won three, drawn five and lost five of their 13 matches.

They have also gone four league games without a win after they gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Blackpool on Monday.

Dion Rankine and Matt Smith grabbed a goal apiece to put Wigan in the driving seat at Bloomfield Road, only to be denied maximum points by own goals in first-half stoppage time and in the 92nd minute.

After having to settle for a point, Shaun Maloney's side are left languishing in 19th place in the League One table with just four points separating them from the League One drop zone.

Wigan's most recent competitive win took place in an EFL Trophy group game against Carlisle at Brunton Park, and they will look to repeat that feat on Saturday as try to avoid their first round one defeat since 2020-21.

Carlisle United form (all competitions):

D

L

L

D

L

L

Wigan Athletic form (all competitions):

W

D

W

L

L

D

Team News

Carlisle have confirmed that former Wigan striker Charlie Wyke will miss the rest of the season after he sustained a serious ankle injury against Cheltenham.

Defender Archie Gray remains unavailable for selection, having been absent from the last three matchday squads due to a shoulder injury.

Defender Jonathan Mellish and midfielder Harrison Neal are both pushing for recalls after dropping down to the bench last weekend.

As for the Latics, Liverpool loanee Luke Chambers has returned to his parent club to work on his rehabilitation from a back injury.

Jensen Weir is set to miss out with an ankle problem, while Callum McManaman is a doubt after missing Wigan's last three matches.

Luke Robinson could be given more minutes off the bench after returning from injury to feature as a substitute against Blackpool.

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Lavelle, Thomas, Mellish; Biggins, Neal, Guy, Harper; Sadi, Charters; Armstrong

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Tickle; Ramsay, Kerr, Aimson, Sessegnon; Rankine, Francois, Smith, Aasgaard, Thomas; Taylor

We say: Carlisle United 1-2 Wigan Athletic

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