Carlisle United are predicted to finish just outside the play-offs next season by a leading football magazine.

When Saturday Comes has forecast an eighth-placed finish for Paul Simpson's side on their return to League Two.

That is the average position predicted by all their correspondents as part of their preview of the 2024/25 campaign.

United are predicted to finish just outside the top seven as they readjust to life in the bottom tier.

WSC's prediction sees Doncaster Rovers as the champions, with MK Dons finishing second and bookies' favourites Chesterfield coming third and claiming a second consecutive promotion in the process.

The predicted play-off teams, from fourth to seventh, are Bradford City, Port Vale, Gillingham and Notts County.

At the other end of the table, Morecambe are predicted to finish bottom with Accrington Stanley also relegated in 23rd.

United's fellow Cumbrians Barrow are predicted to come 13th after narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season.

EFL new boys Bromley are predicted to stay up in 22nd. Carlisle are predicted to finish the second highest of the four relegated sides, with Cheltenham 11th and Fleetwood Town 16th.

The team-by-team guides in WSC see Blues fan Rob Lees assess United's prospects.

He writes that, after not so much slipping gracefully back to League Two as "crash into it like a goose that's flown into a jet engine", there should be an expectation of the play-offs "if morale can be restored and we make quality signings."

The Piatak takeover is described as one of the main reasons for optimism at Brunton ParkThe Piatak takeover is described as one of the main reasons for optimism at Brunton Park (Image: Barbara Abbott)

The Piatak takeover last November was described as 2023/24's best moment, while "poor recruitment and terrible loan signings" was blamed for ending any realistic chance of League One survival.

The current edition of WSC is out now.

Other pre-season predictions have assessed United's chances, meanwhile.

The BetVictor 2024/25 prediction by Gab Sutton has Carlisle making the play-offs in fifth place.

Sutton writes that the Blues have "one of the most complete squads in the division" and "little chance of a relegation hangover" based on the positivity around the Piatak takeover.

He refers to the high expectations accompanying the American ownership and their investment in the squad, while of manager Simpson he writes: "He retains legendary status for achieving three promotions across two spells but is not immune to criticism for last season’s relegation – nor his questionable public handling of the squad – despite the various mitigating circumstances."

For the full predictions visit BetVictor HERE