Find out more about Saturday's opponents...
- Form:
Carlisle's form over the past six games is identical to Stevenage's - two wins, two defeats and two draws. Away from home, the Cumbrians are without a win in four games.
With the team just one point outside the Play-Offs though (four ahead of Stevenage) and on the back of a fine 3-2 win against automatic-promotion-chasers Bury, Carlisle will certainly be feeling buoyant heading into the clash.
- The Gaffer:
Former Scotland International Steven Pressley took over as Manager of Carlisle United on 16th January 2019. He replaced Caretaker Manager's Tommy Wright and Paul Murray, following the shock departure of Jon Sheridan just a few weeks prior.
Following the conclusion of his playing career in 2009 where he was best known for his time Dundee United and Hearts of Midlothian, Pressley's first job in Management came at Falkirk before spells at Coventry and Fleetwood.
A brief foray abroad at Greek First Division side, Pafos FC came next, before getting the gig at Brunton Park just a few months ago.
- Top Performers:
Hallam Hope and Jamie Devitt have lead the way for the Cumbrians this season with both players proving crucial to Carlisle's attacking output.
Hope has scored 14 goals with 7 assists, whilst Devitt is currently enjoying his best ever campaign, scoring 12 goals with 7 assists.
Both players scored in Carlisle's 3-2 win against Bury on Saturday.
- Key Stats:
Carlisle are a considerably stronger attacking team on home ground - scoring an average of 1.76 goals per home game compared to 1.25 per away game.
On the other hand, they are a stronger defensive team away from home - conceding a slightly higher average of 1.35 goals away from home compared to 1.38 at Brunton Park.
The Cumbrians come quick out the traps to start the second half - they have scored 9 of their 25 away goals inside the first 15 minutes out of the break.
Overall, Carlisle are a strong away team. Their away win rate of 40% is a considerable 10% higher than the Sky Bet League Two average.
- Journalist’s View, with Jon Colman of News & Star:
Who could be Carlisle's key player on Saturday?
"Carlisle need wins, so their key men are going to be those who will be trying to unlock the Stevenage defence. Callum O'Hare, on loan from Aston Villa, has shown some very bright signs in recent games and if he sees enough of the ball close to the home area, he is capable of making something happen. Jamie Devitt is their most experienced creative player, and Hallam Hope their most in-form finisher at the moment. But O'Hare could be the one to produce a bit of magic."
What do Stevenage have to do to beat Carlisle?
"I sincerely hope this doesn't jinx him but - get past Adam Collin. The experienced Cumbrian keeper, in his second spell with the club, produced a magnificent performance in last weekend's 3-2 victory against Bury, making a series of superb saves. His form has been generally very good across the season but that afternoon was arguably the best individual display of Carlisle's campaign. Their clean sheet record recently has been poor, but things could have been worse without Collin."
What have Carlisle got to do to beat Stevenage?
"Do as they often do at the Lamex Stadium, given Carlisle have lost just twice there in seven visits. Stevenage's form appears mixed, though they are clearly not to be underestimated, and were good value for their victory at Brunton Park earlier in the campaign when they looked a strong and streetwise outfit. Stopping the supply to Guthrie, who scored a hat-trick against Carlisle for Colchester a couple of seasons ago, would be worth bearing in mind while, at the other end, the ability of Hope and Nathan Thomas to pull Stevenage's centre-halves out of their comfort zones, could influence the outcome."
Result prediction?
"I will do with a 0-1 win to Carlisle"
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