Club officials are confident of exceeding the opening day gate of 7,234 when Canvey Island were the visitors. Advance sales even suggest the Conference record of 9,432 could be under threat. The Cumbrians go into the game unbeaten in 14 league and cup games although their opponents from North London have an equally impressive record, although they have suffered one reverse so far. Barnet's last game produced a 5-0 thrashing of Dagenham and Redbridge in front of the Sky TV cameras. It was particularly tough for Daggers manager John Still, against one of his former clubs. It was also achieved without the help of top scorer Giuliano Grazioli, who was missing with a thigh strain, an injury that threatens his chances of playing tomorrow. Strike partner Liam Hatch is already out with a dislocated elbow suffered early on in the game against Dagenham. With Hatch out, Lee Roache is likely to get a start after scoring the final goal after coming on as his replacement. Ben Strevens has been filling in for Grazioli. Despite winning 5-0 without him, the Bees will surely miss his considerable presence against the top defence in the Conference, should he fail to get fit in time. The Italian has been a major factor in lower-league football for some years, first coming to national prominence when he scored Stevenage's equaliser against Newcastle United in the FA Cup in the 1997-98 season, whilst on-loan from Peterborough. From there he moved to Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers before signing for the Bees at the start of last season. Dean Sinclair will be another man for Carlisle to watch. He has notched up six goals from midfield and is a symbol of Barnet's goalscoring threat from all over the field. Manager Paul Fairclough has been delighted with the work-rate of his team to date, but he knows it will be the stiffest test yet of their title credentials when they make the 300-mile trip north for the first time in a league fixture since October 2000 when they came away with a 2-0 win against Ian Atkins's strugglers. The last league meeting came in the return at Underhill when United won 1-0, Ian Stevens scoring. The two sides met again in the FA Cup the following season, after Barnet had been relegated. The Cumbrians triumphed 1-0 at Brunton Park with a Steve Soley goal after a goalless draw in London. Paul Simpson has had a busy week trying to bring in new signings in time for the big match but a deal to sign Stockport's John Hardiker fell through at the last minute over his wage demands. He is chasing a League Two player but it is unlikely he will sign in time. Good news though sees Chris Lumsdon back in the starting line-up and Andy Preece likely to be fit enough to sit on the bench. Lumsdon's return means likely demotion for Paul Arnison. Will McDonagh is also back after suspension and could be on the bench as well. Karl Hawley will be hoping to end a five-game drought in front of goal. Although he hasn't been scoring, he has maintained his excellent form and will be happy enough if someone else gets on the scoresheet if United collect the points. His tally of seven goals puts him four behind Grazioli, but the former Walsall player is confident he can finish the season as Conference top scorer. United have a bit of a habit of failing to win in front of big crowds, such as in last season's games against Darlington, Hull and Cheltenham which all finished one-each. For that reason, I am staying cautious and tipping another draw. However I do feel if United's attack can get on top against Barnet's weaker defence, we can get all three points. In all other respects, there is little to choose between the two sides. Barnet create slightly fewer chances but have a better record of taking them when they come along. United get involved in more end-to-end games with less play through midfield than Barnet's games produce. If the Cumbrians starve the Londonders of possession, they therefore cut off their best chance of getting a win. Prediction: UNITED 1-1 Barnet |
