Carlisle v Exeter preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Carlisle and Exeter at Brunton Park.

Carlisle defender Peter Murphy is hoping to keep his place in the starting line-up.

Murphy was replaced at half-time during last week's defeat at Sheffield Wednesday by Matty Robson, who made his first appearance since January due to a back injury.

Manager Greg Abbott must decide whether to retain Danny Livesey and Lubo Michalik in central defence and continue with Robson at left-back, or reshuffle his back four completely.

Midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern and winger Andy Welsh are pushing for recalls to the starting XI after stepping off the substitutes' bench last week, while the experienced Paul Thirlwell offers Abbott an alternative option.

Left-back Chris Chantler (hamstring) and striker Lee Miller (groin and compassionate leave) remain sidelined, but the Cumbrians have no new injury or suspension problems as they look to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Exeter should have Richard Duffy back in their matchday squad.

The Grecians defender has been struggling with a groin problem of late but is expected to return to the Devon club's ranks for a game they must win if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation to League Two.

Jonathan Fortune is also set to make his comeback from a hamstring injury while John O'Flynn could return to the Exeter squad, but forwards Jamie Cureton and Jake Taylor are doubts for manager Paul Tisdale.

Danny Coles will also miss out as he continues to make his way back to full fitness following the fractured spine he suffered earlier in the campaign.