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"When I took charge of the club four-and-a-half years ago, we were second bottom of League Two and they were bottom. In the end they were relegated to the Conference and we only just about managed to keep our Football League status infact that season.
"In my first game there was a lot more at stake that day, because while it was still early on in the season, both our Football League statuses were already in danger. We showed great character that day, and we know we will have to do the same on Saturday.
"Since then though both clubs have gone from strength to strength, because they secured two promotions and we went up ourselves a couple of years ago on a much smaller budget than they have worked with. Now both clubs are currently in the top six of League One, so I'm sure everyone connected to both us and Carlisle is very happy with what we have achieved.
"Yes, it's a six-pointer and it's a tough place to go, but it won't be any tougher than Leeds, or Huddersfield Town for that matter. We're a good away team and we don't dread going anywhere. We won promotion with Carlisle a couple of years ago and although they settled quicker than us and had a good first season, I don't see a great difference between the two sides now.
"It's an important game for us, because there is a bit of a gap developing, and the top six have a four-point cushion and it would be good to break away. They are a decent side, and it is always a difficult place to go, especially in December rather than August, when it is likely to be minus five. So we are going to need some soldiers up there like we had at Leeds and Huddersfield if we are to have a chance of coming away with the points.
"It's no surprise that Forest, Leeds and Swansea City are up there with us. They are big clubs and are likely to strengthen in the January window and I still fancy Doncaster to get into the top six as well, so it's a battle for the likes of Carlisle, Southend and us to try to stay up there.
"The bookies wrote us off at the start of the season and of all the top sides, we're still the outsiders. That's fair enough, the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds have got a bit more money than little old Leyton Orient. But although we might be the smallest club up there, we are scoring goals, and goals will keep us in and amongst it.
"He (Stuart Nelson) will miss the weekend. He has had a scan and will have an injection in a bid to cure the problem, but that means he will miss Saturday. But I'd rather get it done now, so at least he will be available for the busy Christmas programme.
"Once again, I'd rather make sure Sean (Thornton) is 100 per cent fit when he comes back. And with so many games coming up, I don't want to rush him. It means that Nelson, Thornton and Clayton Fortune are currently injured and will miss the trip - but I will take all the other 18 players up to Carlisle."
As Ling has mentioned goalkeeper Stuart Nelson is still struggling with his ankle problem, so that means Glenn Morris will continue to deputise between the posts. With no third choice keeper at the Matchroom Stadium it remains to be seen whether or not Ling will put youth team glovesman Michael Doyle on the bench, midfielder Paul Terry apparently being the man to take over the number one jersey from an injured or sent-off Morris should Doyle not be involved.
Midfielder Sean Thornton, formerly of Doncaster Rovers, misses the match with a hamstring injury picked up against Brighton in mid-November while centre-half Clayton Fortune is facing a long spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder for the second time this season in late September. Striker Wayne Gray, after picking up a groin/thigh injury on Saturday against Cheltenham, is struggling to be fit and if he fails to make it JJ Melligan is likely to take his place in the starting eleven.
The referee for tomorrow's match is our old pal Scott Mathieson from Stockport in Cheshire, and he will be assisted down the lines by Peter Quinn from Middlesbrough and David Webb from Stanley in County Durham. Meanwhile the fourth official will be Andy Newell from Blackpool.