Crawley Town v Carlisle United preview: Reds look to extend incredible unbeaten home run

Crawley Town play at home in the league for the first time in three weeks this Saturday when they host Carlisle United.
Jack Powell challenges during the 1-1 draw  with Harrogate Town. Picture by Matt Kirkham/Town PixJack Powell challenges during the 1-1 draw  with Harrogate Town. Picture by Matt Kirkham/Town Pix
Jack Powell challenges during the 1-1 draw with Harrogate Town. Picture by Matt Kirkham/Town Pix

The Reds’ last league outing at the People’s Pension Stadium was there 2-1 win over Cambridge United. Since then, Crawley have played four games in all competitions, with two in the league and two in the cup.

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Most recently the Red Devils claimed a point at Harrogate Town, where Max Watters’ first half goal was cancelled out by a late Harrogate equaliser. They’ll be looking to go one better today and claim all three points against a Carlisle side that they will leapfrog in the table should they manage to do so.

However, Carlisle will be coming to Crawley looking to end Crawley’s incredible run on home soil that almost stretches back a full year to when Crawley last lost a league game at the People’s Pension Stadium.

Carlisle’s early season form has been good, with them currently sitting 6th in League Two, collecting 20 points out of a possible 36. Similarly, to Crawley their home record is what sees them pick up the majority of their points, with 15 of their 20 points coming at home.

On the road it has been a struggle for Carlisle, with just one win to their name and just three goals scored all season. It’s a very similar record to Crawley’s away form, which would suggest the contest swings in favour of the home side but as we saw in the FA Cup game with Torquay, anything can happen.

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Crawley should have some players back from injury and suspension ahead of this tie, which gives John Yems more to think about. Jake Hesketh returns from his suspension, after serving a three match ban and there may be a return for some of the players that missed out on last weeks game with injury.

However, Joe McNerney put in a good performance as stand in centre back for Jordan Tunnicliffe and he will now be looking to keep the shirt ahead of Tunnicliffe, who has played the majority of games since signing after his release from AFC Fylde. There’s also plenty of competition for places going forward with Max Watters, Tom Nichols and Ashley Nadesan all on fire going forward.

The trio started together for the first time at Harrogate and looked dangerous attacking but just couldn’t convert their chances. It’s tricky to predict a Crawley line-up as there are so many players who could be called upon to start and it gives John Yems a selection headache ahead of the tie.

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