Carlisle United boss warns Blues against 'long-ball fight' against Sutton United

The Blues tomorrow host League Two’s fourth-placed side who have taken well to life in the EFL.

While Sutton are eyeing a second straight promotion, United are hoping for a result that will move them further away from the danger zone in the division.

And manager Millen feels his side must play their own game – and not try and match Sutton’s style of play.

“Sutton, I’m sure, won’t change what they’re doing because they’re successful at it,” Millen said.

“It will be a case of dealing with their game but not trying to match them; trying to play our own game one we’ve dealt with them.

“If we get into a long-ball fight then we’re going to struggle.

Sutton beat United 4-0 in September

“We have to deal with them and then try and work a way of causing them problems as well.

“We’ve done that at home. We’ve lacked the end product but we’ve been good in possession and we’re going to need to be brave in possession on Saturday to cause them problems.”

Matt Gray’s side – who thrashed Chris Beech’s Carlisle 4-0 at Gander Green Lane in September – are on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

The visitors, though, are also without a win in five away games in League Two.

Sutton’s squad includes former United pair Dean Bouzanis and Richie Bennett, and Millen said the league new boys have clear momentum after their impressive promotion from the National League last season.

Sutton's former United keeper Dean Bouzanis

“You could say it’s a surprise,” he said of their rise to the top end of League Two.

“Sutton’s one of my local clubs, where I come from – I know the club well, I’ve been there a few times to watch them.

“They used to have the Astroturf there, they were a good side on that, and going up they’ve had to put the grass pitch down.

“They’ve kept most of the players they had before and are definitely one of these teams that’s got momentum from being successful last year.

“That often happens; if you can go up and get off to a good start, all of a sudden the players find they’re good enough at that level and their confidence levels in what they’re doing is very high.

“They’ve got a way of playing that’s very effective for them. They’re a big, strong, direct team, which is fine – you’ve got to deal with that.

“You look at their results and a lot of teams struggle with them. We have to make sure we are ready for what they are and try to do.”

Millen said United were “too open” in their 3-0 defeat at leaders Forest Green last weekend, and wants a tighter display against another promotion-chaser.

“We have to make sure we compete, get back to the basics of what’s made us a good side, and then be brave and get on the ball, and try and cause them problems,” he said.

“That’s the mindset. They’re in a good place, the lads – they’re looking forward to the game.”