Saturday evening's National League fixture looks to be the stand out as Carlisle host Forest Green in what promises to be an enthralling six pointer. Read our betting tips and predictions below.
Carlisle United were relegated from the Football League after 21 years, suffering the drop following consecutive relegations. Mark Hughes took charge in February, overseeing a modest improvement in form, but his arrival came too late to prevent the inevitable as the Cumbrians slipped into non-league football.
Despite the setback, the Carlisle board placed their faith in Hughes to guide the club straight back up — and his side have made a promising start, sitting third in the National League table. The campaign began with a confident 2–0 win away at Woking, though momentum stalled with frustrating home draws against Boreham Wood and Solihull Moors. Carlisle soon rediscovered their rhythm, recording back-to-back victories and clean sheets over Wealdstone and Braintree.
Their first defeat came against Sutton, but that was followed by an impressive run of four consecutive wins. However, a trip to pre-season title favourites York proved humbling, as Carlisle were thrashed 5–0. Still recovering from that heavy loss, they fell 2–0 at home to Rochdale. Since then, though, the response has been strong: a 3–1 win over Hartlepool, a 1–0 success away at Scunthorpe, and a commanding 5–2 triumph against Boston United have put the Cumbrians firmly back on track.
Carlisle now come into this game in third place, behind Forest Green on goal difference and one point off Rochdale.
Regan Linney has been the stand out player in the National League so far, topping the goalscoring charts with nine goals in 14 games. The 28-year-old was signed in the summer after 43 goals in two and half seasons for Altrincham and looks the main contender for the Golden Boot.
Forest Green sit above Saturday's hosts on goal difference, boasting the second best defensive record in the league. Steve Cotterill failed in his task of promotion, so was dismissed in the summer. Macclesfield manager Robbie Savage was hired as his replacement after guiding the Silkmen to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title with ease.
Many questioned the move since Savage had no experience at this level, but the Welshmen is proving a lot of people wrong. His side have lost just once - last time out in the league at home to Rochdale, before bouncing back with a 1-4 win over Worthing in the FA Cup.
Away from home, Rovers have taken 15 points from seven, conceding just five goals and will be looking for more solidity against the leagues second top scorers.
Marshalling such a watertight defence is Jordan Moore-Taylor. The 31-year-old is now in his sixth season at The New Lawn after years of EFL experience.
Forest Green Draw No Bet @4/5
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