The Imps welcome Carlisle United to a sold-out Sincil Bank Stadium tonight, looking to extend the unbeaten run to five games in all competitions.
City picked up a point as they drew 1-1 to Cambridge United on Saturday. Matt Rhead registered his first league goal of the season after just six minutes before United’s Jevani Brown scored five minutes later.
All general sale home areas have sold out for the fixture, but there are very limited Family Area tickets available, and the Buy Back Scheme is open from 1pm.
The match will also be streamed live on iFollow for UK and International viewers.
Recent Form
Carlisle United have failed to win in their last two SkyBet League Two fixtures, losing to Macclesfield Town and Morecambe.
The Cumbrians last picked up three points at the start of the month in their 3-1 win over Oldham Athletic. There were three separate goal scorers on the day for United with Hallam Hope, Ashley Nadesan and Jack Sowerby all finding the back of the net.
Carlisle United have won six of their 14 SkyBet League Two matches as well as picking up just one draw against Northampton Town in August.
Last six league games: WLLWLL
League position: 11th
Manager’s comments
John Sheridan spoke to the Blues’ website ahead of Tuesday night’s clash. The 54-year-old took over at Brunton Park in June 2018 following a brief spell with Fleetwood Town.
The former Leeds United midfielder praised the Imps before expressing his desire for a positive performance from his side on Tuesday night: “They’re top of the table because they’re picking up results consistently.
“We have to be aware of that but we have to be ready to go and play our game. I’ve said before, I can take losing games, but not in the way we did on Saturday. We go to Lincoln to put that right. I want a performance and a result.
“We’re on a bad run, we aren’t winning games we should be winning, and this is a test for us. Three or four weeks ago things were really positive, and this is the other side of it, which you get with the inconsistency that come along at this level.
“Some lads who have been knocking on my door will probably get an opportunity with the injuries we’ve been picking up. Nobody has given me a performance that means they stay in the team – not one of them.
“We’ll see who is fit and I’ll play some of the kids if I have to. It might be the endeavour of a youngster who will give us the heart and desire to push on. Nobody can afford to knock on my door at the moment and tell me they should be playing. They have to earn it.”
Previous Meetings
The last time the two sides met was last season when the Cumbrians hosted Lincoln City at Brunton Park in April. The game finished 1-0 to Lincoln with Matt Green being the only goal scorer on the day.
The Imps picked up another three points earlier on in the 2017/18 season with an impressive 4-1 win over Carlisle at the end of August. Alex Woodyard scored two goals before Matt Rhead and Billy Knott added to City’s lead at Sincil Bank.
One to Watch – Kelvin Etuhu
Carlisle’s man to watch on Tuesday night is former Man City youth academy graduate, Kelvin Etuhu.
The Nigerian made four Premier League appearances during his time with Man City before departing for Portsmouth in January 2012. During his time at the Etihad, Etuhu spent time on loan with Rochdale, Leicester City and Cardiff City.
The midfielder has been at Brunton Park since July 2017 following three seasons with Bury. Etuhu was part of the Shakers side who won promotion to the SkyBet League One at the end of the 2014/15 season.
The 30-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions for United this season. Last season Etuhu scored three goals in 20 SkyBet League Two appearances.
