Carlisle United's Mike Williamson looks ahead to Walsall

The Blues take on a high-flying Saddlers side managed by Williamson’s former Watford team-mate Mat Sadler.

It is a midweek clash (Poundland Bescot Stadium, 7.45pm) between sides at opposite ends of League Two.

Walsall sit third and could even go top with victory tonight, while second-bottom Carlisle are desperate for a win that could lift them out of the relegation zone.

Blues head coach Williamson is hoping his side can build on their 1-1 draw with Harrogate Town on Saturday – but acknowledges the difficulty of tonight’s test.

“It’s going to be tough,” he said.

“We've already faced them [with MK Dons in a 1-0 win in September].

“I know Mat, I played with him and he's constructed a really good team there.

“They're physical, they run behind, they've got good players, so it's going to be difficult.

Williamson must decide whether to give fit-again Callum Guy a second start in four days (Image: Ben Holmes)

“But we know that. We know how relentless this is and it's what we're in it for. So, we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Among Williamson’s key selection decisions tonight is whether to start Callum Guy and Taylor Charters again.

The midfield duo made their first starts of the season after injury in the Harrogate game.

“It’ll be a case of speaking to them,” said the Blues boss. “They obviously know their bodies. We're not going to take risks on them and we'll make a decision.”

Aaron Hayden is also close to a return. Williamson, speaking on Saturday, played down the prospect of a midweek comeback for the defender given he has not been involved in many full sessions since recovering from a calf injury. 

Williamson felt there was encouragement to be taken from plenty of what Carlisle produced on Saturday – particularly in light of the previous weekend’s showing at AFC Wimbledon – but accepts that United must be more consistent in their work.

“I think we're always going to have blips and any team will, I suppose, unless you're a Barcelona, ‘invincibles’ Arsenal or that standard,” he said.

“The consistency of the performances, we've definitely got to improve on.

“I thought [Saturday] was the most comprehensive from start to finish we've had. So I'm sure the boys will take heart – but it never ends.

“We don't take a breath, and [now] we get back to work.”

Walsall come into the game following a 4-1 win at Grimsby Town on Saturday.

They are the top scorers in the division with 23 goals from 11 games, taking on a Blues side who have conceded more than anyone else, shipping 24 from their 12 outings so far.

Sadler’s side have won seven, drawn one and lost three, and at home have won four and lost one so far. Carlisle’s last win at the Bescot was four trips ago – the 2-0 win in January 2021 which sent Chris Beech’s side to the top of League Two.

Ex-United midfielder Brandon Comley is in the Saddlers squad

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