Two teams at opposite ends of the League Two table are set to clash on Friday afternoon as relegation-battling Carlisle United take on league leaders Port Vale.
The hosts are 23rd in the table and trail safety by six points, while the visitors are top of the standings with a three point lead over second-placed Bradford City.
Match preview
© Imago
After 20 years of competing in the English Football League, Carlisle United are now on the verge of relegation from League Two and into the National League for the first time since 2004-05.
The Cumbrians, having won the League Two playoffs in 2022-23, were instantly demoted from the third division last term, placing bottom of the league and trailing safety by a significant 16 points.
The disappointment has continued so far upon their return to League Two this campaign, with Carlisle United now staring at the possibility of back-to-back relegations, as they sit 23rd in the table and trail safety by six points.
The Cumbrians have taken just 37 points from 42 league outings - after nine wins, 10 draws and 23 defeats - leading to Carlisle cycling through three managers, with Paul Simpson and Mike Williamson sacked and Mark Hughes currently in charge.
Hughes, however, has provided the Cumbrians with belief that they can survive, taking four wins and four draws from 14 matches, including back-to-back victories heading into this clash.
With only four games still to play, Carlisle must continue that streak if they are to overcome the current six point gap to safety and extend their stay in the Football League for another campaign.
The Cumbrians are set to face a challenging run in to the end of the season, though, facing league leaders Port Vale and playoff-chasing Salford City, alongside a crucial relegation battle with 22nd-placed Accrington Stanley.
Port Vale will, as a result of sitting top of the table, be entering into this game as the overwhelming favourites to secure the victory, and all three points are equally important to the league leaders.
The Valiants, who suffered relegation from League Two last season, are aiming to secure an instant return to the third division this term, and are certainly on track to do so.
Port Vale are top of the table with a three point lead over second-placed Bradford City, while they also boast a four point lead over fourth-placed Doncaster Rovers.
Darren Moore's side have had a rather inconsistent season, having a poor start to the season before rising to top of the league, dropping back to eighth and now climbing back to the top of the standings.
Moore will be hoping they can avoid another inconsistent run, especially as Port Vale face a challenging end to the season with particularly difficult matches against playoff-hopefuls Grimsby Town and Wimbledon.
However, they will be confident given they have won all of their last four outings, and a victory on Friday would further strengthen their chance of an automatic promotion to League One.
Team News
© Imago
Carlisle are anticipated to be without the services of Archie Davies, Dylan McGeouch, Charlie Wyke, Paul Dummett, Josh Williams and Jordan Jones due to injury issues.
Georgie Kelly has played a crucial part in Carlisle's recent resurgence, scoring three goals in their last two matches, and the striker will look to continue making an impact on Friday.
As for Port Vale, Jaheim Headley and Ben Heneghan are both unable to feature due to ongoing injury problems, while Tom Sang is also unlikely to feature after missing out on the last match due to injury.
Lorent Tolaj is Port Vale's top scorer with 13 goals in 33 appearances, including five in his last three outings, and the striker is expected to partner Jayden Stockley in this one.
Elsewhere, the remainder of the side that started in the brilliant 5-0 victory over Bromley last time out is expected to start on Friday, featuring goalscorers Jack Shorrock and Ryan Croasdale.
Carlisle United possible starting lineup:
Breeze; Ellis, Hayden, Thomas, Harper; Fusire, Whelan, Harris; Wearne; Kelly, Dennis
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Amos; Debrah, Smith, Hall; Clark, Croasdale, Walters, Garrity, Shorrock; Tolaj, Stockley
We say: Carlisle United 1-3 Port Vale
While Carlisle have showed signs of improvement in recent outings, Port Vale are undoubtedly the favourites and should comfortably win this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
