Match Preview; Carlisle United vs Forest Green Rovers - EFL2
Forest Green Rovers make the 516 mile round trip north this afternoon, as they take on 13th place Carlisle United at Brunton Park. After making an impressive comeback in last week’s 5-2 win against Cambridge United, confidence is high amongst the travelling players and with a fully fit squad, The Green Devils have a good chance of making it two wins on the bounce in Sky Bet League 2.
Defender Farrend Rawson will make a welcome return to the first team line up, having sat out last weeks victory after suffering a concussion against west country rivals Swindon Town. Midfielder Charlie Cooper is also available for selection having completed his three-match ban for dangerous play. Rovers have a much stronger side than the one that faced the Cumbrians back in December, with Forest Green securing 7 signings so far in January’s transfer window.
Midfielder Dayle Grubb has been instrumental since he joined from National League South side Weston-Super-Mare, and scored 2 goals during his home debut last Saturday. With his quick feet and determination to reclaim the ball, the 26-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite. The combination of Grubb and Osbourne in the centre of the park has allowed The Green Devils to dominate play in recent games and manager Mark Cooper will be hoping to see more of the same from his new midfield maestros. Strikers Reuben Reid and Christian Doidge have scored 3 goals in 4 games, meaning Carlisle’s defence will have to be on their toes to ensure keeper Bonham walks away with a third clean sheet in three this afternoon.
The home-side have experienced a mix bag of results since the turn of the new year, securing 5 points thanks to 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses. Carlisle have been making some transfer noise of their own, after announcing the signings of striker Cole Stockton and defender Kris Twardek yesterday. Both players will be available for today’s game at Brunton Park, after putting pen to paper before Thursdays 12pm deadline.
The Cumbrian’s top scorer comes in the form of their resident left back, Danny Grainger. The 31 year old has scored 8 goals so far this term, setting up a further three thanks to his impressive crossing ability. Striker Hallam Hope joins Grainger at the top of the tree, having also scored 8 goals and assisted 1.
A win for Carlisle United could push them up to 12th, if Crawley down fail to take a point from their game against Accrington Stanley. Last weeks victory against Cambridge United failed to move Rovers out of the drop zone, but thanks to their superior goal difference, a draw today could send them to 22nd in the table. If results go their favour, The Green Devils could see themselves at the heady heights of 20th, as 7 teams in the bottom half of the table are separated by only 5 points.
