The Blues are on home soil again this weekend as high-flying Notts County visit Cumbria in Sky Bet League Two.
This weekend we welcome Match Sponsors Thomas Graham to Brunton Park.
They are regular and valued sponsors of the club and are hosting their guests in Foxy’s Restaurant. Kelso Parts / Lloyd Group are our Associate Sponsors and Donleys are our Match Ball Sponsors.
After late heartbreak against Wycombe in midweek, United will be hoping to go one better and seal three points against the Magpies.
Kevin Nolan’s side, meanwhile, will be looking for a response from a disappointing defeat to Crewe last time out as they seek to stay in contention at the top of the table.
We put Wycombe under the spotlight ahead of their visit to Brunton Park:
Have a flutter on the game with our official betting partner, Sky Bet:
Sky Bet tip: Exactly one goal to be scored can be taken at 4/1.
Exactly one goal has been scored in four of Carlisle’s last five outings.
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Strong Start
The Magpies were battling against relegation for large parts of the last season, until the appointment of Nolan saw them climb away from the drop zone towards the end of the season.
And Nolan has continued his fine work this campaign, with Notts currently sitting second in League Two after a terrific start to the season which has seen them win nine of their opening 14 games.
Notts have lost only three league games all season, although two of those have come in their last six outings as both Crewe and Mansfield got the better of Nolan’s men.
They certainly seem to have all the credentials to be title contenders this year, and will be keen to pick up three points on the road this weekend to keep them in the thick of it in the automatic promotion places.
Common Connections
There’s plenty of links between the two clubs, with no fewer than four former Carlisle players currently plying their trade at Meadow Lane.
Goalkeeper Adam Collin spent four years at Brunton Park while defender Shaun Brisley moved to Nottinghamshire this summer after spending just a year in Cumbria.
Meanwhile centre back Mike Edwards is still registered as a player, although his main role now is at Notts’ strength and conditioning coach.
Popular midfielder Liam Noble has also made the move to Notts, although he will be unable to play for the club until January after his contract at Forest Green was terminated.
Meanwhile in the Carlisle camp, Gary Liddle spent time at Meadow Lane under the lead-ership of Keith Curle, who was in charge of County from February 2012 to February 2013.
What Does History Tell Us?
The two sides have been regular foes in recent years, and there isn’t a great deal to sepa-rate the club’s respective records.
Notts slightly edge a head-to-head comparison having picked up 17 wins compared to United’s 12, while only three games have ended in draws.
Recent form seems to favour Untied, who have won four of the last six meetings between the two, including a 5-0 win at Meadow Lane on the final day of the 2015/16 season.
There’s Usually Goals
We predicted goals against Wycombe on Tuesday evening, and similarly the games between United and County seem to produce more high-scoring affairs.
The last ten meetings between the two have seen 34 goals, an average of 3.4 per game, in what have been some truly entertaining encounters.
Could we be set for more of the same at Brunton Park this weekend?
Watch highlights of last season's 3-2 away victory at Meadow Lane here:
Ones to Watch
+ Matt Tootle - A product of Crewe’s renowned academy system, Tootle spent 16 years at Gresty Road before moving on to Shrewsbury in 2015. He later made the move to Meadow Lane where he has quickly become a fans’ favourite - thanks in part to his slug goal celebration. Versatile across the back and in midfield, Tootle is experienced at this level and is certainly a reliable performer.
+ Jorge Grant - The lively attacking midfielder shone during a loan spell from city rivals Nottingham Forest last year, and Nolan managed to tempt the 22-year-old back on a similar deal this season. Quick, pacy and with an eye for goal, Grant has already shown his ability this season with seven goals in his 14 games. He will need to be watched carefully.
+ Jon Stead - An experienced head in the Magpies’ attack, Stead has built up a strong partnership with fellow ex-Premier League striker Shola Ameobi. The former Blackburn and Sunderland man was a key player in Notts’ survival last season and has carried his form into the new campaign having netted three all ready while laying on plenty of opportunities for those around him.
