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

The visitors have lost four of their last five league games to fall to second bottom in the table.

Match preview

After failing to score in ay of their opening 11 games of the season - collecting just one point in the process - Cheltenham appeared to be dead and buried at the foot of the table. However, since losing his first two games in charge, the Robins have only lost four of 14 ensuing league games under Darrell Clarke.

The former Port Vale boss replaced Wade Elliott in late September, inheriting a team completely devoid of confidence despite finishing 16th last season. Yet their hugely impressive 2-1 win against league leaders Portsmouth in their last completed match moved them within three points of safety.

Tom Bradbury's own goal had given the visitors the lead four minutes after half-time, and Pompey would have expected to go on and win from there. Liam Sercombe's quickfire brace within five minutes of his team-mate's own goal turned the match on its head, though, with Cheltenham surviving their opponents' dominance of possession during the latter stages.

Like Reading immediately above them in the table on goal difference, Cheltenham possess a game in hand on 20th-placed Exeter City, after both relegation-threatened sides had their matches abandoned last weekend. Should Exeter lose to Cambridge United and Reading fail to beat Wigan Athletic, a victory would move Cheltenham to safety for the first time this season.

Carlisle, on the other hand, are drifting ominously back to League Two after being promoted via the playoffs last season. Paul Simpson's side's 2-1 defeat away to Barnsley on Tuesday means they have only won once in their last 13 league matches.

As a result, the Cumbrians sit six points from safety having played more matches than any other team in the division. They had taken a surprise early lead at Oakwell in midweek via Luke Armstrong's opener, but second half strikes from Devante Cole and Herbie Kane gave promotion-chasing Barnsley a crucial victory. Carlisle had already been soundly beaten 3-1 at home by another playoff side in the form of Oxford United last weekend.

However, the club's fanbase may have gained some hope of staying up since the January transfer window opened, having seen Simpson backed in the form of signing Armstrong, Harrison Neal, and Harry Lewis. Armstrong's first goal for the club will be viewed as a step in the right direction for his new club, as the 27-year-old hit double figures in successive seasons for Harrogate Town in League Two.

Saturday's long trip to Gloucestershire is clearly a crucial one for Simpson and his players, as they attempt to move level on points with their opponents. Losing further ground on a direct rival would spell disaster for Carlisle, who on current form are only heading in one direction despite their recent signings.

Cheltenham Town League One form:

L

W

W

D

L

W

Carlisle United League One form:

D

L

W

L

L

L

Advert - content below:

Team News

Having had their match against Bolton Wanderers abandoned due to the death of a fan inside the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Cheltenham's players should be fresh for this fixture. However, Clarke will have to have one eye on their rearranged fixture against the Trotters on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old could name the same starting XI that defeated Portsmouth in their last completed match, with Sercombe hoping to get himself on the scoresheet once again after bagging a brace in that fixture.

Carlisle, on the other hand, have played twice since their forthcoming opponents last completed a match. Simpson could be contemplating making a few changes as a result, but in truth he has very few options to turn to.

Forwards Joe Garner and Sean Maguire were both unused substitutes against Barnsley in midweek and will hope to feature at some stage, but Armstrong and Daniel Butterworth are likely to start in tandem in attack once again.

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:

Southwood; Smith, Davies, Bradbury; Long, Pett, Sercombe, Williams; Bonds; Keena, Lloyd

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Lavelle, Huntington, Mellish; Ellis, McCalmont, Moxon, Neal, Armer; Butterworth, Armstrong

We say: Cheltenham Town 1-0 Carlisle United

Although both of these sides will head into this match inside the relegation zone, they have been on massively contrasting trajectories in recent months. Cheltenham appear to have completely overcome their disastrous start to the season, and will be confident of staying up under Clarke's tutelage.

Carlisle, on the other hand, are in poor form and are up against it to avoid defeat on Saturday. We expect the hosts to continue their positive momentum and claim a narrow victory, which could move them outside of the bottom four positions.

Previews by email