The third-placed Blues are set to head to Nailsworth this weekend to take on Robbie Savage's promotion rivals at the New Lawn.
And, ahead of the Valentine's Day clash, Hughes appeared to refer sarcastically to the crowds the National League's sixth-placed side pull in.
Hughes made the remark towards the end of his post-match interview with BBC Radio Cumbria following Tuesday's 3-2 win over Scunthorpe United at Brunton Park.
He was asked about United's forthcoming encounter with Savage's side, the Blues boss renewing acquaintances with the Forest Green boss on the touchline and the entertainment factor on such a fixture.
Hughes said: "Yeah, yeah - it could even be 2,000 or 3,000 next time. A really big crowd..."
The Blues boss's remark could further stoke the rivalry between United and Forest Green, who were involved in a stormy clash at Brunton Park back in October.
Carlisle won an entertaining game 4-2, after which Savage said he had been the victim of "vile abuse" from some home fans.
Carlisle won 4-2 against Forest Green at Brunton Park last October (Image: Ben Holmes)
A Football Association investigation followed, the outcome of which saw United face no punishment, though they were issued with a "reminder as to their responsibilities" around fan conduct.
In the days after the game, Forest Green owner Dale Vince controversially claimed there was "relevance" between the authorities' perceived failure to act on the abuse and the contentious ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from their Europa League game at Aston Villa this season.
Forest Green's highest league crowd this season so far is 2,802 for their 1-0 win against Hartlepool United last September. Their average home attendance so far in the 2025/26 National League is 2,025.
Carlisle are so far averaging 7,235 for home games in the league this season. Tuesday's 5,226 crowd for the Scunthorpe game was their smallest home league crowd so far this campaign.
This Saturday's game in Gloucestershire kicks off at 5.30pm for live DAZN coverage.
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