It's back to Brunton Park this weekend as United take on Morecambe in our latest League Two fixture.
After a long trip to Luton in midweek, United will be looking forward to getting back on home soil as Morecambe visit Cumbria.
The defeat to the Hatters put an end to the Blues’ positive run of league form, and manager Keith Curle will be hoping it was merely a blip as he prepares to face the Shrimps.
Morecambe also lost in midweek and will be keen to start pulling away from any early season danger.
We put Jim Bentley’s men under the spotlight ahead of their visit to Brunton Park:
In Danger
It may still be early doors, but Morecambe will be perched far too close to the relegation zone for their liking.
The Shrimps sit just one point and place above the drop zone having won just one of their last six league games.
That win was an impressive one, however, as they took three points off promotion hopefulls Wycombe while they only narrowly lost out to Crewe on Tuesday night.
But Bentley will be keen to start picking up some results and pull his side clear of danger before relegation becomes a real prospect.
One Win On The Road
Morecambe have picked up just four wins all season - and only one of those has come away from the Globe Arena.
The Shimps’ maiden win on the road came at rock-bottom Chesterfield, and Bentley will be desperate for their form away from home to continue.
It’s in a stark contrast to last season where Morecambe were fairly successful on their travels, picking up eight wins from away trips last season.
If they can recapture that kind of travelling form, then they may well shoot up the table.
What Does History Tell Us?
The two sides only met for the first time in 2004 but from their meetings since it’s Carlisle who have the better record.
Of the 14 times the pair have faced off, the Blues have claimed victory in five of them with Morecambe triumphant only once - a 3-2 success at Brunton Park in 2015.
Interestingly, eight of our meetings have ended in draws. Could we see a similar result this week?
United have already faced Morecambe once already this season too, and were 2-0 victors in the Checkatrade Trophy clash at the Globe Arena.
Watch highlights from this season's 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy away victory here:
Watch highlights from last season's 1-1 home draw here:
Watch highlights from last season's 3-0 away victory here:
No Home Comforts?
Interestingly, all of Carlisle’s wins over Morecambe have come away from home - with the Blues yet to register a win against the Shrimps at Brunton Park.
United have drawn four times against the North West side on home soil having lost once, but have yet to take three points from Morecambe in Cumbria.
Curle will be hoping to change that this weekend.
Ones to Watch
+ Garry Thompson - An experienced attacker, Thompson returned to the club where he began his career during the summer. He spent the last two years at Wycombe and proved his worth as a real threat in League Two. The winger has also represented Bradford, Notts County and Scunthorpe in a career spanning almost two decades. Comfortable providing assists and scoring himself, Thompson will undoubtedly be a key member of the Morecambe side this season.
+ Aaron Wildig - The former Shrewsbury Town midfielder moved to the Globe Arena in 2015 having previously spent time on loan with the Shrimps. A box-to-box midfielder, Wildig will look to drive Morecambe forward and has been a pivotal part of their squad since his arrival. Expect him to see plenty of the ball on Saturday and make vital contributions at both ends of the pitch.
+ Kevin Ellison - With over 500 career appearances, Ellison adds some much needed experience to what is a relatively young Morecambe squad. Happy playing in any attacking position, whether centrally or out wide, Ellison is still contributing goals aplenty at the age of 38. He’s netted 69 times since joining the Shrimps in 2011 and will be keen to increase that tally this season.
