The Cumbrians are back on the road this weekend after back-to-back home games as they make the trip to Derbyshire to take on Chesterfield.
A well-earned point against Notts County last time out saw the Blues maintain their position in 16th, while a win this weekend could see them climb as high as 12th.
The Spireites, meanwhile, find themselves at the foot of the table and six points adrift of safety, meaning three points from the visit of Keith Curle’s side are a must.
Having a flutter this weekend? Please bet responsibly with our official betting partner Sky Bet:
Sky Bet tip: Exactly one goal to be scored in Chesterfield v Carlisle at 4/1.
Exactly one goal has been scored in four of Carlisle’s last six games.
Click HERE for full match markets.
We put Chesterfield under the spotlight ahead of our visit to the Proact Stadium:
Rock Bottom
After relegation from Sky Bet League One last season, many expected Chesterfield to challenge for promotion this season - especially after some impressive summer recruitment.
However, that promise is yet to materialise and the Spireites currently sit rock bottom with only two wins to their name all season.
A poor start saw manager Gary Caldwell lose his job, with Jack Lester now attempting to guide the side away from relegation danger.
Recent form isn’t favourable, though, with Chesterfield having lost seven of their last eight Sky Bet League Two games.
And with only one win on home soil in all competitions, Lester will be keen to see his side begin to turn things around on their own patch this weekend.
Positive Signs
Despite the poor run of form, there are certainly some positives for Chesterfield fans to take - especially after the appointment of Lester in late September.
While the former Nottingham Forest striker may have guided his side to just the one league win so far, that triumph at Crawley certainly showed what his side are capable of.
The Spireites were also victorious at Rotherham in the Checkatrade Trophy and put in a promising performance at Cambridge last weekend.
So there are plenty of positives for Lester to take from his early days in the hotseat at the Proact Stadium, but now he needs his side turn their promise into results.
What Does History Tell Us?
The two sides haven’t met on a regular basis in the 21st century, but have been familiar foes in further history.
And it’s Chesterfield who edge a head-to-head comparison having picked up 35 wins compared to United’s 22, while 14 games have ended in draws.
Recent form seems to favour United, who have won three of the last four meetings between the two, including a 3-1 win in the 2015/16 League Cup in what was the last time the two sides faced off.
See highlights from that game below:
It’s Been Over Twenty Years ...
While the Cumbrians have excelled against the Spireites in recent years, their visits to Derbyshire aren’t generally too fruitful.
You have to go back to 1994/95 for the last time United won at Chesterfield, as they sealed a 2-1 triumph at Saltergate thanks to a David Reeves brace.
The Blues did claim victory at Chesterfield in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy en route to Wembley in 2009/10, but their most recent league visit to the Spireites was one to forget as the hosts ran out 4-1 winners - Lee Miller netting for Carlisle.
Ones to Watch
+ Ian Evatt - An experienced head, the centre back is now in his second spell with the Spireites have rejoined the club on a free transfer in 2013. Formerly of QPR and Blackpool, Evatt brings quality and leadership abilities to the Chesterfield backline and has a wealth of experience at a higher level. A regular this season, the defender will undoubtedly be key as Chesterfield move forward.
+ Robbie Weir - The Spireites captain, Weir only joined the club two days before the start of the 2017/18 season after a successful trial period. The former Burton Albion midfielder had taken time out of football to recover from a serious injury but seems to have no ill-effects having impressed so far this campaign.
+ Kristian Dennis - With seven goals to his name already this season, Dennis has definitely shown his worth as part of the Spireites’ squad. Having spent most of his career in non-league, Dennis’ impressive form with Macclesfield prompted Chesterfield to take a punt on the striker in 2016. And he hasn’t disappointed, netting 10 last season while putting in plenty of impressive performances.
