TEAMtalk

Carlisle v Scunthorpe preview

Sunday 08-April-2012 14:49

Carlisle defender Chris Chantler, converted into a left-back by Cumbrians boss Greg Abbott following injury to Matty Robson, sustained a hamstring injury in Friday's draw at Wycombe and is extremely doubtful.

Robson is still not ready to return due to an on-going back problem, so Abbott could be tempted to recall Lubo Michalik to his back four.

Midfielder Paul Thirlwell remains sidelined after missing the last nine games with a calf injury.

Strikers Jordan Cook and Paddy Madden, plus winger Andy Welsh - all unused substitutes at Wycombe - are pushing for recalls and could be utilised with the Cumbrians poised to play a second game in four days.

The point gained at Wycombe kept Carlisle in sixth place, two points ahead of nearest challengers Notts County.

For Scunthorpe, Mark Duffy has missed the last three games following his recent dismissal at Bury, but makes a timely return to contention as midfielder Damien Mozika is struggling with an ankle knock.

Mozika, who sustained a dead-leg in the recent win at Chesterfield, was replaced just after the interval during Friday's 1-0 win over Exeter after taking a knock to his ankle.

Sam Togwell replaced Mozika in midfield and will continue if the Frenchman fails to make it, while striker Jon Parkin, on loan from Cardiff, is pushing for a return to the starting line-up after a hamstring problem restricted him to the bench on Friday.

Fellow forward Connor Jennings (foot) and midfield pair Michael Collins (Achilles) and Gary Thompson (abductor muscle) are still sidelined.

Victory over Exeter lifted the Iron up to 14th place, seven points above the relegation zone.