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

The hosts could move as high as fourth in the table with a win, but Sutton are languishing in the bottom half.

Match preview

Having finished 20th last season, very few people would have expected Carlisle to mount a push for the play-offs this campaign.

However, the Cumbrians did significantly improve after appointing Paul Simpson as their manager in February earlier this year, with the 56-year-old guiding the club away from relegation danger in his second spell at the club.

Indeed, after guiding Carlisle to back-to-back promotions up to League Two between 2004 and 2006, Simpson is a hugely popular figure in Cumbria, having also ended his playing career at the club.

Clearly, this good feeling around the club has contributed to superior results than in recent seasons, with their 4-1 win away to Salford United last time out in League Two taking them up to sixth in the table prior to a ball being kicked this weekend.

Although last week's defeat to Walsall in the FA Cup second round was a slight setback, Simpson may be pleased that his side can fully focus on finishing in the top seven positions, and he will be confident of gaining another victory at Brunton Park on Saturday.

Sutton, meanwhile, have found things tougher after narrowly missing out on a play-off spot in their first ever season in the Football League last time out.

Indeed, the Yellows missed out by a single point having amassed an impressive tally of 76, but manager Matt Gray appears to be overseeing a mid-table operation this time around.

However, their victory against struggling Rochdale last time out in League Two was a huge one, as it ended a winless run of four matches and moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone in the process.

For a club of Sutton's size, retaining their status in the Football League is the first and foremost aim, although they will still hope to spring a surprise against their in-form opponents on Saturday.

Carlisle United League Two form:

L

L

W

D

D

W

Carlisle United form (all competitions):

W

W

D

D

W

L

Sutton United League Two form:

W

D

D

L

L

W

Sutton United form (all competitions):

D

L

L

L

W

L

Team News

Former England U20's boss Simpson may look to deploy the same starting XI which comprehensively outplayed Salford in their last league match.

Kristian Dennis, who bagged a brace in the 4-1 victory, will be aiming to add to his tally having scored 11 league goals in 18 appearances this season.

Likewise, Sutton are unlikely to make any changes having finally ended their winless run at home against Rochdale last time out in the league.

Will Randall will hope to be the match winner once again after his 38th minute strike proved to be the difference between the two teams on the day.

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Holy; Back, Feeney, Huntington, Mellish, Armer; Moxon, Guy, Charters; Dennis, Edmondson

Sutton United possible starting lineup:

Rose; Boldewijn, Kizzi, John, Milsom; Neufville, Eastmond, Lovatt, Randall; Kouassi, Wilson

We say: Carlisle United 2-1 Sutton United

Despite Carlisle heading into this fixture 10 points clear of their opponents, we expect a closely fought affair in Cumbria on Saturday.

However, Simpson is building something special during his second spell there, and his side should just edge past Sutton.

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