Preview: Carlisle United vs. Barnsley - prediction, team news, lineups

While the Tykes currently reside in fifth position, Carlisle are languishing at the foot of the table with just 16 points separating them from safety.

Match preview

Carlisle are seemingly heading towards an immediate return to the fourth tier after mustering just 23 points from their 36 league matches.

The Cumbrians claimed the most recent of their five league victories against Burton Albion at the end of last month, but they have been unable to add to their points tally since that narrow 1-0 victory.

Paul Simpson's side fell to a 3-1 loss in their home meeting with Reading, before they were beaten by Charlton Athletic in Saturday's clash at The Valley.

A Luke Armstrong effort and a Taylor Charters penalty ultimately proved fruitless as the Addicks netted three goals of their own to condemn Carlisle to a 3-2 loss and a 10th defeat in their last 11 matches.

Following an unsuccessful trip to the capital, the Cumbrians will now return to Brunton Park, where they will be desperate to end a run of five consecutive home defeats.

Barnsley will have to pick themselves up after they suffered a surprise 5-1 defeat in Saturday's home meeting with Lincoln.

Adam Phillips scored a consolation goal in a demoralising result which brought an end to Barnsley's seven-game unbeaten run.

As a result of the defeat, Neill Collins have dropped down a spot from fourth to fifth position, leaving them five points adrift of second-placed Derby County.

With the Tykes looking to get their promotion bid back on track, they can take confidence from the fact they have won their last two away matches against Fleetwood Town and Wycombe Wanderers.

In fact, Barnsley have proven to be a strong them on their travels this season, having collected 36 points from their 17 away matches - only Portsmouth and Derby have picked up more points on the road.

Carlisle United League One form:

L

L

L

W

L

L

Barnsley League One form:

D

W

W

W

D

L

Team News

Carlisle are expected to be without the forward duo of Joshua Kayode and Georgie Kelly due to their respective injury issues.

Josh Emmanuel is in contention for a starting spot after he returned from injury to feature as a substitute in Saturday's defeat.

Armstrong will continue to lead the line alongside Jack Diamond after scoring his second goal since arriving from Harrogate Town in the January transfer window.

As for the visitors, they are still unable to call upon defender Robbie Cundy, who is progressing well in his recovery from a long-term injury.

There are also doubts surrounding the availability of Donovan Pines after he missed the defeat to Lincoln with a knock.

Midfielder Herbie Kane will serve a two-match suspension after receiving his tenth yellow card of the League One season.

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Emmanuel, Lavelle, Huntington, Mellish, Armer; McGeouch, Neal, Charters; Armstrong, Diamond

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Roberts; De Gavigney, McCart, Earl; Williams, Phillips, Connell, Grant, Cadden; Cole, McAtee

We say: Carlisle United 0-2 Barnsley

Previews by email