Carlisle V Sheff Utd at Brunton Park : Match Preview

07 December 2012 16:31
Carlisle V Sheff Utd - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Cumbrians sweat on Cadamarteri fitness

Carlisle striker Danny Cadamarteri has an outside chance of returning to the squad for the home clash with Sheffield United.

The former Everton, Bradford and Huddersfield forward has missed the last six matches due to a groin injury, but returned to training at the start of the week and is hoping to feature.

Manager Greg Abbott, concerned at the number of goals his side have conceded this season, especially at Brunton Park, will still be without centre-half Peter Murphy, who is recovering from a hernia operation.

Valentin Gjokaj, on loan from Derby, made his debut for Carlisle as a half-time substitute in last week's FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth and is hoping for his first start, while fellow teenager Sean McGinty, on loan from Manchester United, has yet to make his first appearance for the club.

Skipper Paul Thirlwell returned from an ankle injury last week and should make his first league appearance since late October, but forwards Lee Miller (hernia and ankle) and Rory Loy (broken leg) remain long-term absentees.

Sheffield United's Neill Collins, Nick Blackman, Chris Porter and Shaun Miller could all return.

Blades boss Danny Wilson made four changes to the side for the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy penalty shootout defeat at Coventry, while midfielder Kevin McDonald was not included after returning from suspension.

But McDonald, central defender Collins and forward trio Blackman, Porter and Miller could all be back in the side with Callum McFadzean, Richard Cresswell, Marcus Williams and John Cofie expected to make way.

Goalkeeper Mark Howard and Lecsinel John-Francois are making good progress following their respective long-term thigh and knee injuries, but striker Dave Kitson and defender Tony McMahon both remain sidelined with hamstring strains.

The Blades have drawn and lost their previous two league games and have subsequently slipped to fourth place in the table.

Source: PA