Carlisle vs Burton preview - Rigg hopes to make Brewers clash

Posted Monday, October 20, 2014 by PA

Carlisle striker Steven Rigg is hoping to overcome a groin strain in time for the home game against Burton.

Rigg did not travel with Keith Curle's squad for the weekend defeat at Plymouth but could return to play some part as Carlisle chase a third straight home league win.

Curle must decide whether to include Matty Robson in his starting line-up. The defender/winger returned as a half-time substitute against the Pilgrims following a knee injury, but Danny Grainger is available again after suspension and could slot in at left-back.

On-loan Bolton striker Georg Iliev made his full debut on Saturday and is hoping to continue, while defender Sean O'Hanlon is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up.

Burton will check on the fitness of John Mousinho and Lucas Akins.

Midfielder Mousinho suffered a calf injury during the warm-up against Morecambe on Saturday while winger Akins is also nursing a calf complaint following the 2-0 home defeat to the Shrimps.

Defender Damien McCrory and midfielder Lee Bell should keep their places in the squad after working their way back to near full fitness, but Jimmy Phillips (knee) and Callum McFadzean (foot) remain long-term absentees for the Brewers.

Those two players, along with the likes of Stuart Beavon, Dominic Knowles and Marcus Harness, are options for manager Gary Rowett should he make changes against the Cumbrians.