Oxford United boss Des Buckingham insists Carlisle United are tough opponents at Brunton Park despite their lowly position.

The manager of today’s visitors says Paul Simpson’s side are a stronger proposition at home than on their travels.

And that means this afternoon’s game for the fifth-placed U’s is not one that can be taken for granted, according to Buckingham.

“Even the home game here [against Carlisle in August] was a tough game, it was 1-0,” said Buckingham.

“And then you look at Carlisle at home, and the results they pick up as opposed to away games – they’re a lot stronger at home and the results will show you that, as well as the way that they play.

“It’s a long way to go but we’ll get there early enough to make sure we’re as prepared as we can be.

“But we know the importance of the game, we’ve won three out of the last five league games.

“We’re in a strong position and want to make sure in this second part of the season, we start it off well and that starts against Carlisle.”

Oxford are hoping to maintain their promotion push at Brunton Park.

They sit in the play-off places, five points outside the top three and three points above seventh.

The visitors could hand debuts to two new signings at Carlisle having this week brought in Chelsea loan keeper Jamie Cumming as well as attacker Tyler Burey on loan from Danish side Odense.

Left-back Greg Leigh is expected back from injury for Buckingham’s side, with defender Elliott Moore also poised to return.

Oxford have won seven, drawn one and lost five of their away league games this season.