Swindon Town's Jody Morris on 'hugely difficult' Carlisle United clash

The Robins manager, whose side host the Blues this weekend, admits their opponents are in the top three for a reason.

Morris highlighted the variety of United’s play – including the buccaneering efforts of defender Jon Mellish – as a key reason for their threat.

The recently-appointed County Ground chief said of Carlisle: “They’re a team which is clearly going well. They’re a threat up top with two dangerous players.

“They try and attack from all different angles. Sometimes, you’ve got Mellish – who is the left side of the three – who can find himself entering the box.

“Paul Simpson has done a lot in the game already with the teams that he’s been in charge of at various different levels.

“They’re up there in the promotion places on merit, and they will be wanting to show that, so it will be a hugely difficult game for us.

“One that, if we’re to get anything out of, we have to be prepared and ready to go.”

The Swindon boss highlighted Jon Mellish as a key part of Carlisle's attacking approach (Image: Ben Holmes)

Morris, who replaced Scott Lindsey at 11th-placed Swindon, lost his first three games in charge but the Robins are unbeaten in their most recent three.

The former Chelsea star believes the home crowd can play an important part against a second-placed United side who have proved they can overcome adversity this season.

“The fact that they’re away, if they are feeling a little bit tentative or feeling the pressure, that might help. But the fact that they’re going as well as they are, they will be coming from a place of confidence regardless,” he added.

“Yes, we would like to think that any team coming to the County Ground is up against it, but if you’re going well and you’re sitting in second place, you should be confident.

“But that pressure and expectation can work both ways. If we start right and play as well as we can, certain things can make players become a bit nervous.

“But when you get to this stage of the season and you’re in and around it up the top, there is a reason why you’re there.

READ MORE: Simmo on Swindon and their former Premier League goalscorer

“They have clearly withstood pressure – whether that’s quality of opposition or having to deal with injuries and suspension. They will be coming from a place of confidence, but it’s our job – being at home – to try and put a block on that or try and impose ourselves on them.”

Swindon have taken points from high-fliers Leyton Orient and Salford City in recent weeks and Morris feels that is the example they must emulate against Simpson’s promotion-chasers.

“Football is a great game in that you can upset a team’s rhythm and upset the odds. But we need to be at it because they’re a top team,” he added.

“We were at it at Leyton Orient, and we need to make sure that we repeat that and don’t let the anxiety set in purely because we’re at home.

“We still want to be playing with freedom and want to hear some support from our fans. We’re better when we have that, and they’re going to be needed, especially against these teams which are going so well.”