Carlisle are on the road again as the Cumbrians make their way down to the Midlands as they take on ninth-place Solihull Moors with the hope of keeping the pressure on top of the table York or doing one better and going top. As for the Moors, there are only four points between them and seventh-place Southend, and this could be a real test for the Blues.
How are Both Teams Doing?
Carlisle United: The Blues go into this after a dismal defeat to seventh-tier side [Chatham Town](http://chatham town) in the FA Trophy. An absolute shan of a performance compared to the hard-working performance of the Chats would see a deflated Blues team heading home with total embarrassment. But for some fans, this is a blessing in disguise, and there’s no point looking back in anger after all. However, putting the trophy to one side, the Blues are second in the league on goal difference due to the fact that York have managed to score 65 goals in 25 matches, which is incredible, but all it takes is one slip-up and the Blues are back on top of the table if they capitalise, and this Saturday will be a real test. It will, or at least should, give fans the chance to see new signing Ryan Galvin (read about him here) make his debut for the Blues with the expectation he will drop straight into the left-back position over Harper
Solihull Moors: Chris Millington’s men are flying infront of goal in recent weeks and since he became Moors head coach, they’ve netted 38 goals in 17 matches, with 13 of them being in there last three matches Since his appointment, they’ve gained themselves some big results as well, like beating Scunthorpe three-nil, drawing with Forest Green Rovers and putting seven past Tamworth, a team the Blues only just beat two-one thanks to a late Kelly goal. A real threat to the Blues defence. Moors have also only lost four home games this season and haven’t lost a home game since the 30th of September.
Last meeting
Both have faced each other already this season in a one-all draw at Brunton Park, with Terell Thomas scoring in the 80th minute to secure a home draw.
My score prediction this weekend is on the fence: either a two-all draw or a more glummy result of a two-one defeat
Blues News/Arrivals and Departures
As it’s still January, obviously, we’ll be continuing our Arrivals and Departures section in our weekly round-up of Blues News.
Arrivals
Nothing, nowt, zilch, nichts
Departures
Jude Smith has departed the club after contract termination
It’s been a rather quiet transfer week for the Blues.
Blues News
Mark Hughes has said it’s been a rather “quiet window”, stating the club has missed out on key targets.
Former manager Mr XG has become [South Shields](http://south shields) Men’s first team coach on a voluntary basis. I wish South Shields all the best.
There’s really not much at all this week apart from some Cumbria news that the 2027 Tour De France will be coming to the UK. The men’s first stage will begin in Edinburgh and finish in Carlisle; from Carlisle the cyclists will travel through to Keswick to start stage two. The race will, of course, finish in Cardiff.
Last week’s attendance at Chatham Town was 1703 with no away following confirmation.
Good luck to all travelling.
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James Denwood
Writer covering Carlisle United and the National League