By Jake Jones
Carlisle United will enjoy a home advantage to spur them onto victory at Brunton Park in a mid-week matchup against Wycombe. The two clubs met for the first time in 1993, but have gone on to become regular foes over recent years. Wycombe have been the better of the two clubs in their 20 meetings having claimed seven victories compared to Carlisle’s five.
Recent form has been slightly more favourable towards the Cumbrian side, who are unbeaten in the last four meetings. With this in mind, the gap in the table between the sides may count for little, with the Blues nine spots above their northern foes.
A key man for Carlisle is Hallam Hope who has contributed with four goals so far this season for the Cumbrians.
Manager Keith Curle spoke of his team’s inconsistencies at home, “We need to work hard and get ourselves through it, but what I will say about this group is that they enjoy working hard”.
Wycombe’s man of strength, Adebayo Akinfenwa will want to add to his four goals and aid his side in pushing for an automatic promotion spot. Recent history will suggest that although they have the better head to head record between the sides, a draw is likely to be the outcome.
The Blues have the second best goal scoring record in League Two, only bettered by third placed Luton and will be looking for their goal scoring form to continue this time around.
Marcus Bean is suspended for Wycombe after he was booked for the fifth time this season in the goalless draw with Exeter.
Blues boss, Gareth Ainsworth was only able to name six substitutes for that game but hopes to be boosted by the return of Sam Saunders and Josh Umerah.