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United prepare to entertain Bristol Rovers at Brunton Park on Saturday afternoon, and just hold the advantage on previous meetings between the two. Of the 12 games played the Cumbrians have recorded six wins, and the Pirates have come away with five victories.
The most recent encounter between United and "the Gas" at Brunton Park was less than a year ago in November 2004, the Cumbrians carving out a narrow 1-0 victory in an F.A. Cup first round replay. Magno Vieira was the matchwinner for the Blues that night scoring the winner in the second period of extra-time.
Two weeks ago United fans were expecting to see some spice added to the fixture with the return again of ex-Blues boss Ian Atkins to Carlisle. However, Rovers chairman Geoff Dunford relieved Atkins of his duties just over a week ago after a poor start to this season and a limp 12th place last year. Experienced pro Paul Trollope takes temporary charge for the second game after describing the latter stages of Atkins reign in charge at the club, saying : "It wasn't a happy camp and the man-management of the players has been the biggest problem at the club."
For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here
| Recent encounters between the teams: | |||||
| 2004/2005 | Tue 23 Nov | Carlisle Utd. | 1-0 | Bristol Rvs. | FAC |
| 2004/2005 | Sat 13 Nov | Bristol Rvs. | 1 - 1 | Carlisle Utd. | FAC |
| 2003/2004 | Sat 24 Jan | Bristol Rvs. | 1 - 0 | Carlisle Utd. | LGE2 |
| 2003/2004 | Sat 23 Aug | Carlisle Utd. | 0 - 2 | Bristol Rvs. | LGE2 |
| 2002/2003 | Sat 01 Feb | Bristol Rvs. | 1 - 2 | Carlisle Utd. | LGE2 |
| 2002/2003 | Sat 24 Aug | Carlisle Utd. | 0 - 0 | Bristol Rvs. | LGE2 |
| 2001/2002 | Tue 12 Mar | Bristol Rvs. | 0 - 0 | Carlisle Utd. | LGE2 |
Recent respective form guides
United have had a poor home run this season, winning two and losing three of their five games at Brunton Park. Six goals have been scored and seven conceded in these games.
Rovers have an average recent record on the road, winning two matches, drawing one and losing three. While "the Gas" have hit seven goals, 12 have hit the back of the net at the other end.
The Cumbrians lie just outside the play-off positions in the League Two table in ninth, picking up 17 points from their 11 games so far. The Pirates find themselves struggling down in 17th position in the league having picked up only 12 points from their 11 matches.
For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here
| Current form guides: | P | W | D | L | F | A | P |
| Carlisle Utd. | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 10 |
| Bristol Rvs. | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 8 |
FootyMad's prediction ...
Its a close one to call, but I think that Cumbrians' need to turn things around after two disappointing results recently will result in a narrow victory. Home Win
| Sequence statistics: | |
| Carlisle Utd. | 16 games since last home draw. Latest 2 games ended in defeat. |
| Bristol Rvs. | Lost each of the previous 2 away matches. Last drawn game 4 outings ago. |