Carlisle v Swindon preview

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Carlisle trio Pascal Chimbonda, David Amoo and Matty Robson are all hoping to return to action in the home game against Swindon.

Former France international Chimbonda has missed the last three games due to a calf injury, winger Amoo has been sidelined with a hamstring problem and left-back Robson is on course to end a seven-game absence after a back injury.

Midfielder Luke Dawson, a recent loan signing from Stoke, is hoping to make his first appearance, but that depends on which two loanees boss Graham Kavanagh opts to leave out as he can only name five in his matchday squad.

Carlisle, fourth from bottom, have won only three games this year and are chasing their first success in nine.

Swindon will be without midfielder Ryan Harley when they take on Carlisle.

The former Exeter man has been struggling with the hip injury he picked up in training which has forced him to miss the Robins’ last three matches, and he may not play again this season.

But there is better news for manager Mark Cooper in the return of influential midfielder Alex Pritchard after he served a three-match ban and the Spurs loanee looks certain to be involved.

Louis Thompson will hope to come into contention to start after he stepped off the bench to net a late winner against Sheffield United last Saturday but this match looks to have come too soon for Grant Hall who has returned to training.

Carlisle v Swindon preview

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Carlisle manager Greg Abbott is considering handing teenagers David Symington and Mark Beck their first starts for the club.

The youngsters have featured regularly off the substitutes’ bench for the Cumbrians this season and Abbott is still without injured striker Lee Miller (knee).

Midfielder Liam Noble will sit out the second of his three-game ban following his dismissal in the recent Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Preston.

Defender Danny Livesey remains doubtful due to the hamstring strain that has seen him miss the last four matches, while Abbott must decide whether to recall Adam Collin in goal or stick with youngster Mark Gillespie, who has started the last two matches.

Abbott has no new injury or suspension problems as his side chase their third league win of the season.

Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio may welcome back Troy Archibald-Henville to his squad.

The defender is closing in on a return to the Italian’s starting XI after a knee injury but faces a late fitness test.

Matt Ritchie and James Collins both returned last weekend for the defeat to Leyton Orient and are expected to continue having come through the match unscathed.

Summer signing Gary Roberts is close to full fitness but may not be risked against the Cumbrians.

The midfielder is yet to make his debut for the Robins after suffering a leg injury in pre-season.

But now the former Huddersfield man is less than a fortnight away meaning Di Canio’s side are almost back to full strength as they bid to end a three-match losing streak.