TEAMtalk

Carlisle v Preston preview

Monday 19-March-2012 11:57

Carlisle are preparing for their home clash without striker Jordan Cook.

Cook missed the weekend draw at Bournemouth after returning to parent club Sunderland last week and, although he has hinted at extending his stay at Brunton Park for a second time, the 21-year-old has yet to make his mind up and is unlikely to feature.

Boss Greg Abbott, who has no new injury or suspension problems, is unlikely to make any unforced changes.

Danny Livesey has been preferred to Lubo Michalik in recent weeks and should continue at the heart of defence alongside Peter Murphy, who broke the club record for an outfield player at Bournemouth when making his 440th appearance.

Matty Robson remains sidelined with the back problem that has kept him out since early January, so Chris Chantler is expected to continue at left-back.

The Cumbrians, level on points with sixth-placed Notts County with two games in hand, are bidding to climb back into a play-off spot.

Preston are set to welcome back Paul Coutts for the trip.

A thigh problem ruled Coutts out of the 2-1 defeat to Tranmere last week and he remained absent as North End chalked up their first win in seven attempts at Exeter on Saturday.

Canadian forward Iain Hume bagged a brace as the Lilywhites prevailed 2-1 at St James Park and he is set to be rejoined in attack by Neil Mellor in the coming weeks.

Former Liverpool striker Mellor damaged knee ligaments in December's victory over MK Dons but returned to full training on Monday morning alongside fellow long-term victim Craig Morgan (foot tendinitis).

Understandably, Tuesday's game comes too soon for the duo while Morgan's fellow centre-back Max Ehmer is pushing for a full Preston debut.

Ehmer joined on loan from QPR at the end of last week and replaced Hume in the closing stages against the Grecians.