Carlisle United boss looks ahead to big Stevenage showdown

The Blues boss feels his side has enough to hurt Steve Evans’ fellow promotion-chasers.

But Simpson admits Carlisle must be at the top of their game to come out on top – and land a blow on one of their direct rivals.

“It's going to be a tough game,” said United’s manager ahead of the third-v-second battle.

“They're an experienced side. They’re a physical side, they're aggressive in the way they play, they've got threats from open play because of the style that they have, and they've got threats from set plays.

“It's a game we're going to have to be absolutely bang on. But on the flip side of it, I think we've got players who can cause them problems.

“I think we've got good ability from set plays. I think we've got good ability in open play to find a killer pass and we've got players who can score goals.

READ MORE: Evans makes transfer jibe at Simmo and Carlisle United

“So it's set up for a really good game and I hope it's a game that we come out on top in.”

Simpson insists United will prepare in the same way for the game as they would any other.

He admits the contest requires little build-up but says Carlisle’s focus will be unchanged – and has urged players and fans to enjoy the occasion, as the Blues bid for a fifth straight win which would move them back into second place.

Luke Norris will be one of Stevenage's dangermen this weekend (Image: PA)

“I'm sure everybody else is looking on it as a big game because it's second v third, and the league table certainly doesn't lie after 35 games, but we haven't changed anything we're going to do,” said the Blues boss.

“I don't expect us to change anything about how we do tomorrow. I know it's going to be a tough game, but it's a game that I'm really looking forward to.

“We've given ourselves a real good chance and if somebody had said to me at the end of July when we played Crawley at home [in the first game of the season] that after 35 you're going to be competing second against third, I would have snapped their hands off.

“So I'm delighted with where we are. But I won't be doing anything differently tomorrow. It's just a case of let's get this next one done properly. We know that we start third, and if we win, we'll go second, and that's got to be a great challenge.

“The one thing I said to the players today is, ‘I don't need to try and flower this game up for anybody tomorrow’. We all know what's at stake. So let's go and enjoy it. Let's go and give it our best shot.”

Simpson, meanwhile, says all his focus will be on United and not the Steve Evans factor.

United’s boss has already called for fans not to get involved in any unnecessary exchanges with the notoriously vocal visiting boss.

Simpson added: “The truth is, I can't do anything about that.

“I tried to get involved last season when we played Stevenage at home because of things that were going on, and Steve still wanted to fight me in the tunnel.

Stevenage got the better of United with a 2-1 win on the previous meeting (Image: Richard Parkes)

“So it's one of those things where I'm going to try and focus on us tomorrow. That's all I'm concerned about.

“I can't do anything about how they behave. I can't do anything about what they're going to do in terms of their game plan. We've just got to focus on us.

“We get unbelievable support at home, so I really hope that we're all talking about is the positive effect that our fans have had on Carlisle United tomorrow afternoon and we'll send them on the way.

“I'll still invite Steve for a drink after the game, whether he wants to come in or not. But I just hope that we're the ones who've had a good afternoon and we enjoyed ourselves.”

Simpson, meanwhile, says all the players came through Tuesday's reserve draw at Middlesbrough unscathed.

It means Jamie Devitt, who got his first 90 minutes upon returning from injury, is available this weekend, with fellow fit-again pair Ben Barclay and Ryan Edmondson again candidates to be in the squad.

United's boss added that Jack Ellis trained today and was around a week away from returning, whilst hoping Fin Back will return to the Blues the week after next.

The Nottingham Forest loanee, back from a hamstring injury, is hoping to be involved in a game with his parent club next week as part of his comeback.