Carlisle United head into their second clash at Brunton Park within five days after a sensational 5-1 win over Barrow last time out put them in as good of a position as they have been all season long ahead of Harrogate Town's visit up north.
While Carlisle have been in fantastic form, Harrogate continue to struggle and are fighting for their life in the Football League this campaign. So far in 2023, they are yet to win a game and they actually remain winless since a narrow Boxing Day victory against Grimsby Town. Bradford City went on to beat them 1-0 before drawing with Hartlepool United and Stevenage.
Further losses to Colchester United and Sutton United have sent them crashing down into 21st and Simon Weaver now sees his side just three points above Gillingham in 23rd. On the other hand, Weaver's side have games in hand over Rochdale and Hartlepool, which will favour them greatly in the long run.
As for Carlisle, they smashed Barrow in their last outing with a stunning 5-1 victory. Joe Garner and Omari Patrick scored a goal that day, as Kristian Dennis netted from the spot. Jon Jame Alexander Mellish also managed to score twice from the back in the last game.
