Carlisle V Chesterfield at Brunton Park : Match Preview

03 February 2012 09:31
Murphy may return, Miller banned

Carlisle defender Peter Murphy could return to the starting line-up against Chesterfield, but striker Lee Miller begins a three-game ban.

Murphy, who has been struggling with a back injury in recent weeks, returned to the substitutes' bench for last week's defeat at Hartlepool and could be ready to resume his partnership alongside Lubo Michalik at the heart of defence.

Manager Greg Abbott will be without influential forward Miller for three games after the club failed in their appeal against his straight red card last week.

Jordan Cook, a recent loan signing from Sunderland, and Paddy Madden are hoping to step up to the starting line-up in Miller's absence.

Midfielder Paul Thirlwell was forced off last week with a tight calf, but is expected to be in contention, but defender Matty Robson is not expected to return to training for at least another week.

Ben Parker, on loan from Leeds, is expected to continue at left-back after making his debut last week, while strikers Rory Loy (broken leg) and Craig Curran (knee) remain long-term absentees.

Defenders Neal Trotman and Liam Ridehalgh come back into the reckoning for Chesterfield.

Centre-half Trotman and left-back Ridehalgh were cup-tied against Oldham on Monday night as the Spireites sealed a first trip to Wembley for 17 years by reaching the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.

Chesterfield defended resolutely in winning 1-0 at Boundary Park and boss John Sheridan must decide whether to recall the duo or stick with a back four of James Hurst, Josh Thompson, Simon Ford and Gregor Robertson.

Jamie Lowry went straight back into the starting XI against Oldham on his return from a loan spell at Crewe and, after injury and loan spells, the midfielder could be in line to make his first league start for the Spireites since October 2009.

Nicky Ajose arrived on loan from Peterborough on transfer deadline day and the striker is expected to go straight into the squad. Chesterfield head to Brunton Park in good form having won their last four matches in all competitions.

Carlisle V Chesterfield - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: PA