Torquay v Carlisle preview

Posted Saturday, January 08, 2011 by skysports.com

Team news for Saturday's FA Cup third round encounter between Torquay and League One visitors Carlisle at Plainmoor.

Guy Branston remains Torquay's only doubt as they prepare to face Carlisle in the FA Cup third round.

Branston missed the Gulls' last outing - a dramatic 4-3 defeat at the hands of Oxford - thanks to a hamstring injury and could miss out once again at Plainmoor.

That means Chris Robertson is set to deputise at the heart of the United defence alongside Mark Ellis.

Otherwise, manager Paul Buckle has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Nicky Wroe likely to continue his run in the team despite being transfer-listed.

Ashley Hemmings - who extended his loan from Wolves until the end of the season - will continue in attack alongside the courted Elliot Benyon.

Benyon has 13 goals this season and Buckle admits a move away from Devon is likely for the striker, but said: "We're not going to give him away."

Meanwhile, Carlisle are expected to be without Lubo Michalik and Mike Grella for the clash.

But new midfield signing Marco Gbarssin, who has signed an initial one-month deal, could make his debut for the Cumbrians.

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott wants to bring Leeds pair Michalik and Grella, whose loan deals have expired, back to Brunton Park, but is still waiting to hear about possible extensions for both players.

James Chester, who had been on loan from Manchester United, has completed a permanent move to Hull and with Danny Livesey (groin) still not ready after a long-term absence, Abbott is struggling for central defensive cover.

Abbott has no new injury or suspension problems and is boosted by the return of striker Jason Price following the expiry of his loan spell at Bradford.