Form
Through the playoffs, Carlisle was able to return to League One in the previous season. After a 1-1 draw at Wembley, they defeated Stockport on penalties in the playoff final, but ended the season in fifth position in League Two.
After being relegated from League One in the 2013–14 season, they have spent nine years in the fourth division before being promoted. Their best League Two finish in those nine years came in the previous season.
They had a difficult time making the transition back to the third division and are now bottom of the standings after five victories, eight draws, and twenty-one losses. Despite winning away to Burton Albion in the middle of the week to snap an eight-game losing streak, their recent form has been dismal.When the two teams met at the Select Car Leasing Stadium at the end of November, the Royals emerged victorious 5-1 thanks to an own goal from Sam Lavelle, two goals from Harvey Knibbs, and one each from Lewis Wing and Femi Azeez.
The boss
Paul Simpson: In February 2022, Simpson began his second stint as Carlisle’s manager, succeeding Keith Millen, who was fired with the team in 23rd place in League Two.
Throughout his 24-year playing career, he lined up as a winger for teams including Oxford United, Derby County, Blackpool, and Manchester City. When he was appointed player manager of Rochdale in 2002, he experienced management for the first time.
After that, Simpson had his first stint with Carlisle, when he took over as player manager in 2003. During his first spell with the club, he was a huge success, leading them to promotion back to League Two and then, in 2006, up to League One.
Later, he managed Preston North.
Throughout his 24-year playing career, he lined up as a winger for teams including Oxford United, Derby County, Blackpool, and Manchester City. When he was appointed player manager of Rochdale in 2002, he experienced management for the first time.
Simpson originally signed a deal until the end of that season but went on to sign a longer-term contract after guiding the club to safety from relegation and guided the club to promotion in his first full season of his second spell at the club.
Squad
Carlisle lost star midfielder Owen Moxon in January, with the 26-year-old signing for promotion-chasers Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
They did manage to bring in seven players, with five joining on permanent deals and two signing on loan. The two loanees were defender Sean Grehan, who joined from Crystal Palace, and winger Jack Diamond, who signed from Sunderland.
Permanent deals were made for goalkeeper Harry Lewis (Bradford), midfielders Harrison Neal (Sheffield United) and Josh Vela (Fleetwood Town) and forwards Luke Armstrong (Harrogate) and Georgie Kelly (Rotherham United).
Midfielder Callum Guy and forwards Terry Ablade and Georgie Kelly will all miss out through injury. Goalkeeper Jokull Andresson will play no part against his parent club.
Predicted lineup
Lewis, Lavelle, Huntington, Mellish, Ellis, Armer, Neal, Vela, Charters, Gibson, Armstrong
Key player
Jordan Gibson: For an undisclosed sum, the Irishwinger Gibson left Sligo Rovers to sign for Carlisle in August 2021. Although he received his first professional contract with Bradford City, he began his youth career at Rangers.
After making 29 appearances over nearly three years with the Bantams, he left in 2020 to sign with Irish team St Patrick’s Athletic. He went to Sligo Rovers six months later, where he made 25 appearances and scored seven goals.
He has made 121 appearances for Carlisle and scored 20 goals since his return to English football. With nine goals this season, he leads United in scoring.
Gibson can play as a centre forward or centre midfielder, but his primary position is winger.He is a strong dribbler who likes to cut inside.
One to watch
Harrison Neal: Neal, a midfielder, moved from Premier League Sheffield United to Carlisle during the January transfer window. He was a member of the Blades’ youth system and captained the club’s under-18 and under-21 teams.
He never played for United in the first team, although he did have several loan stints when he played for teams like Stevenage, Barrow, Southend United, and Kettering Town. After spending the first part of the season on loan at Stevenage, he made just 11 appearances for the first team before returning to Bramall Lane in January.
Since joining Carlisle, the 22-year-old has participated in nine games. Neal is a defensive midfielder who enjoys engaging in physical contact with opponents.
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