Carlisle v Colchester preview

Team news for Saturday's League One clash between Carlisle United and Colchester United at Brunton Park.

Carlisle will be without Conor Townsend and fellow defender Chris Chantler is a major doubt for their home game against Colchester. Townsend broke a bone in his foot this week during a training exercise in the gym and will be sidelined for up to six weeks, while fellow left-back Chantler sustained an ankle injury playing for the reserves. Matty Robson is expected to continue in the left-back role although Courtney Meppen-Walter could provide boss Graham Kavanagh with an alternative option after overcoming a groin/hip problem. Defender Danny Livesey and midfielder Paul Thirlwell (both calf) remain sidelined as the Cumbrians bid to avoid a fourth straight defeat in all competitions. Colchester boss Joe Dunne will be hard pushed to make any changes for the trip to Carlisle. Dunne was left purring after last weekend's 3-0 victory over Gillingham and will see little reason to change a winning formula. Striker Jabo Ibehre and defender Ryan Dickson both missed out due to injury and will be assessed, as will midfielder Alex Gilbey having been sidelined due to illness. Goalkeeper Sam Walker makes the final appearance of his current loan spell from Chelsea but the U's are close to tying up a permanent deal for his services.