Ten unbeaten league games equals the record set in 1989-90 by Clive Middlemass's side and one more notched up tomorrow will set the new standard. The Cumbrians are on a high after thrashing Aldershot 5-0 on their own ground last week and will be confident of another win tomorrow against a side who have just one away win in five attempts so far. Three points could even take the Cumbrians to the top of the table, assuming both Barnet and Hereford slip up, against Woking and Burton Albion respectively. However, it would be wise not to take the Sussex-based team lightly. Crawley won the Doctor Martens League championship last season in impressive style and have already claimed some notable victims this season, including last week's vanquished from Aldershot. Top scorer Charlie MacDonald has been earning rave reviews and added two more last week in the 4-2 home win over bottom side Forest Green Rovers. In a timely boost for the Reds, their player of the season from last year, midfielder Paul Armstrong is set to return to action after missing all of the first six weeks of the season. Armstrong may not be risked from the start, in which case last week's scorer Fiston Manuella is likely to continue. One man definitely out is ex-Carlisle man Mo Harkin. He is still recovering from injury and isn't likely to be in contention again for another week. Manager Francis Vines will also have to make a tough decision in goal where incumbent Phil Smith has been criticised for making errors and Andy Little is poised to come in as his replacement. The Crawley team were not entirely happy with the display against the Gloucestershire strugglers and its clear changes may be made. "Francis Vines and Dave Swindlehurst gave us some strong words at half-time and gave us the kick up the backside we needed," said skipper Ian Simpemba. "We are making too many mistakes and giving opponents starts. We were very lethargic and I think that some of the players were still tired after our game in midweek." Man of the moment Magno Vieira will be looking to exploit any errors made by the visitors tomorrow. He gained rave reviews for his hat-trick at Aldershot and the only headache as far as Paul Simpson is concerned is how to hang on to him as Wigan will be watching his performances with interest. The one drawback he has is a mounting injury list that has seen Kevin Henderson added to it in the past few days following a knock he collected in the midweek LDV victory over Grimsby Town. If Hendo is sidelined, Karl Hawley and Vieira are virtually unchallenged as starters, with Craig Farrell expected to continue warming the bench. Simpson himself is pondering a return to action, after several weeks trying to get his knee right following his July operation. With Brian Shelley out for over a month, Lee Andrews is battling Paul Arnison for the right to play at right-back. If Arnison misses out, he could still continue to play in right midfield ahead of winger Brendan McGill. Carlos Roca had an operation this week and is likely to be out for several further weeks. Andy Preece is also unavailable. Prediction: UNITED 3-0 Crawley |
