Carlisle United hope to continue successful start to pre-season but face tough Blackpool test at Brunton Park

United have been very impressive in preparation for the upcoming season, scoring 21 goals in five games without conceding, but the Seasiders will provide stern opposition to the so-far rampant Blues.

Convincing wins against Penrith, Workington, Hebburn Town, Chorley and Kendal Town have provided Chris Beech’s squad with an opportunity to regain match fitness. However, the one worry for Beech is that his team have rarely been tested on the football side.

Home friendlies against Blackpool, Everton U23s and Halifax Town should offer a better test of United’s footballing abilities.

Newly promoted Blackpool are facing their first season in the Championship for six years, and all signs show they’re heading in the right direction after a troublesome period under the Oyston’s ownership.

The Seasiders’ pre-season friendlies so far have had mixed results.

Two comfortable wins against Squires Gate and Southport were followed by a disappointing 3-1 loss to fellow Lancashire side Accrington Stanley. A proposed friendly against Rangers was called off due to several Covid cases in the Blackpool squad.

Team News:

Carlisle United:

United’s only doubt is George Tanner, with the right-back only featuring against Penrith so far, and with questions being raised about his future at the club.

Chris Beech has added Zach Clough, Tristan Abrahams, Corey Whelan and Lukas Jensen to his squad, with many academy players such as Sam Fishburn involved in pre-season preparations.

Abrahams and Clough look to continue their promising partnership in forward areas, which Beech will hope is prosperous in the upcoming season.

Aaron Hayden is set to start in the centre of defence, but there is some question as to whether Morgan Feeney or Rod McDonald will partner Carlisle’s vice-captain.

Callum Guy will be looking to prove a point against his former side, having left to join the Cumbrians.

Blackpool:

Neil Critchley may be without several squad members after positive Covid cases have caused some players to go into self-isolation.

In a statement on the 19th of July, Blackpool’s official website stated:

“Blackpool’s pre-season fixture against Rangers on Wednesday night has unfortunately been cancelled due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases within the squad.”

“The individuals affected are currently self-isolating in line with Government guidance and will be welcomed back to the Club in due course.”

It is yet unknown how many players may be in isolation, but it seems there has been enough of a recovery to be able to field a squad against Carlisle.

The Seasiders have signed Josh Bowler, Reece James, Daniel Grimshaw, Shayne Lavery, Callum Connolly, Richard Keogh, Oliver Casey and Sonny Carey in an attempt to be competitive in the Championship

Keogh is highly admired in Carlisle after a committed spell at the club, initially joining on loan in the 2007/08 season before signing permanently in the summer of 2008. He left to join Coventry City in 2010.

Other former United alumni are Gary Madine, Jerry Yates and Reece James.

Last time out:

These sides last met in a Papa John’s Trophy clash in October 2019.

Blackpool travelled to Brunton Park under Simon Grayson’s leadership, knowing a win would see them through to the knockout stages of the competition.

Both managers gave opportunities to fringe players to impress, with Steven Presley making nine changes to his side from the previous league game.

The Seasiders went ahead in the 25th minute after Callum McDonald snuck a low shot underneath United stopper Louis Gray.

Ryan Loft’s fortunate finish in the 45th minute, which ricocheted off Christoffer Mafoumbi, restored parity after a clever flick from Elias Sorenson.

United found an 87th-minute winner thanks to Brentford Loanee Canice Carroll’s neat turn and powerful effort from outside the area.

Head to head:

Carlisle United and Blackpool have faced each other 46 times in the past, with the Seasiders winning 21 games, the Cumbrians triumphing in 15 and 10 draws occurring between the sides.

The Cumbrians are evidently looking forward to facing Championship opposition and assistant boss Gavin Skelton had this to say on Saturday’s upcoming friendly:

“It’s a step up and it’s exciting. They’re a Championship side now and we’re back on our pitch, which looks fantastic.”

“We’re really looking forward to that one. It isn’t a competitive game but it’s a home game on a pitch that’s been worked on and which looks great. I know the players want to have a go on it so, yes, really looking forward to it.”

The extent of Blackpool’s Covid issues is unknown, so there may be some notable exclusions from the team, but both sides will hope to test each other while hoping no injuries occur.

This is the Cumbrians’ first chance to test themselves against higher opposition, and Beech is likely to make a final decision on trialist Manny Mampala off the back of this fixture.

Fans return to Brunton Park for the first time since Boxing Day which serves as a welcome relief to all involved at Carlisle United.

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