Carlisle v Northampton preview
Friday 10 August 2018 14:26, UK
Deadline day signing Anthony Gerrard is not fit to start for Carlisle in their home clash with Northampton but could appear on the bench.
The defender has signed a six-month deal at Brunton Park and can expect to be a first-choice when he is back up to peak condition. The match represents a first home outing for the Cumbrians’ new boss John Sheridan, who will be looking for better after a 3-1 defeat at Exeter.
Jamie Devitt was a surprising omission from that starting XI and will be pushing for a recall alongside Adam Campbell and Macauley Gillesphey.
Cobblers midfielder Shaun McWilliams has had good news on the hamstring injury he picked up in the opening day defeat to Lincoln. Fears of an extended lay-off have not come to pass but risking him this weekend seems unlikely.
Junior Morais and Billy Waters could come into contention after coming through a midweek reserve match unscathed. David Cornell was chosen in goal ahead of newcomer Lewis Ward last time out and should retain the gloves.
Opta stats
Carlisle have only failed to score on one occasion in their previous 11 league meetings with Northampton, a 0-1 defeat in December 2008.
Northampton have only won one of their previous five games away at Carlisle (D2 L2), winning their last visit 4-1 in March 2016.
Carlisle are winless in their last five home league games, though four of these have ended level (W0 D4 L1).
Northampton have won just one of their last seven away league games (D2 L4), 3-2 against Bury in April.
Carlisle manager John Sheridan is unbeaten in his last seven matches against Northampton in the Football League (W6 D1) but this will be his first meeting while in charge of the Cumbrians.
