United host automatic promotion chasing and table-topping Swindon Town this weekend in what is geared up to be an entertaining encounter.

An impressive 18 league victories, the best record in the division, puts Swindon in the driving seat as we head deeper into 2020.

A busy January saw a mix and match of results as the Robins picked up three wins, a draw and two defeats to keep things tight at the top. 

Last weekend saw a return to steady form as they beat promotion rivals Exeter City with first half goals from Eoin Doyle (this could be taken away if an own goal is given) and Hallam Hope. 

Bradford loanee Doyle smashed his way through the first half of the campaign with a massive 23-goal haul, and Swindon fans were delighted to learn that he was coming back to the club on a permanent short-term deal as part of the January transfer window dealings.

Former-Blue Jerry Yates also returned to the County Ground in January, for his second loan spell from Rotherham, looking to add to the 13 goals he notched during his first six months. And, of course, Hallam Hope moved south last month and made an immediate impact as he scored on his debut ... and he followed that up with another goal last weekend.

Swindon have won seven, drawn three and lost five of their 15 league away games this term, so they'll be a tough nut to crack come Saturday afternoon.

+++++++

From the head coach ...

Speaking ahead of the game, Chris Beech said: "I’d like to make special mention of the support we’ve had in recent weeks.

"It’s been nothing short of breathtaking. The last-minute equaliser again Mansfield, with the players heading straight to the crowd, was for me more rewarding than scoring four goals against Forest Green. We all want moments like that, everyone thrives off it.

"Our aim is to represent our fans like that every week and to make sure that the connection between the club and its supporters continues to grow stronger.

"With the visit of Swindon, it's another opportunity to test ourselves against a very strong team. They're where they are for a reason, with them being the division's real powerhouses, and that has come off the back of them having a great season.

"They have excellent attacking options all over the pitch, their manager has recruited well, including taking a familiar face from us in Hallam Hope.

"The game will be tough, but I’m curious to see where we’re at. If we have your backing and perform like we’ve done in the past then we could be in for a real treat."

Fancy a flutter on the game? Bet responsibly with our official betting partner and title sponsor Sky Bet by clicking HERE.

+++++++

Head2Head

+++++++

Highlights from previous meetings

It feels like an age since United were at the County Ground in August for what turned out to be a game crammed with goals and incidents. A nip and tuck first half brought little of note, but that changed after the break when Olufela Olomola gave the away side the lead. Jerry Yates, Zeki Fryers and Kaiyne Woolery flipped the game on its head as the Robins roared into the lead, and the afternoon got tougher for United when Canice Carroll was sent off late in the day. Mo Sagaf bagged his first for the club in time added on, but the home side held on to take the win.

Watch the highlights from that game here:

Swindon Town 0 - 4 Carlisle United, Saturday 17 November 2018

Carlisle United 2 - 1 Swindon Town, Saturday 9 March 2019

+++++++

Match officials

Our match official for this game is Mr Graham Salisbury. Graham has taken charge of 23 games so far this season and has shown 76 yellow cards and one red.

We last had him as the man in the middle for our Leasing.com Trophy group game at Morecambe in November. 

Prior to that he was the man with the whistle for our long trip to Forest Green in March 2019. Nathan Thomas bagged our goal in a 1-1 draw and Tom Parkes was the only name to be taken on the night. Teenager Jarrad Branthwaite scored his first ever senior goal, but Morecambe went on to win the tie by 3-1. There were no cards given on the night.

Back to 2018 and he was in charge for the 4-0 away victory at Swindon, just before Christmas. Ashley Nadesan, Regan Slater (2) and Jamie Devitt scored our goals and there were no United names taken on the day.

The first time we saw him in the 2018/19 season was on the opening day when we made the long trip south to face Exeter City. Nicky Law and Jonathan Forte put the Grecians two goals to the good with less than 30 minutes played, but Richie Bennett gave the Blues hope when he struck back just before the break. United battled away, but a late sucker punch from Tristan Abrahams kept the points in Exeter. Jamie Devitt was the only name taken on the day.

A regular referee of our games over the years [including the Wembley final against Southampton in 2010] still one of his busiest evenings with us was for the Checkatrade Trophy group game at Fleetwood last season. A total of 10 cards were shown - including a red for Harvey Rodgers - with Danny Grainger, Mark Ellis, Jamie Devitt, Gary Liddle, Tom Miller and Hallam Hope going in the book for the Blues.

Referee - Graham Salisbury
Assistant Referee 1 - Graeme Fyvie
Assistant Referee 2 - David Plowright
Fourth Official - Andrew Miller

+++++++

Is that a fact?

The original Saxon settlement of Swindon sat in a defensible position atop a limestone hill.

It is referred to in the Domesday Book as Suindune, believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon words swine and dun meaning 'pig hill.' As time went on, it became known as 'Swine's Town' and subsequently, of course, Swindon.

+++++++

Match tickets

Full match ticket details are HERE.

You can purchase your tickets online HERE.

+++++++

iFollow the Blues

Don’t miss a kick – join us on iFollow United for match coverage for EVERY first team game this season.

Click HERE to sign up for full match commentary, in association with BBC Radio Cumbria.