Jon Mellish in line for Carlisle return

Posted Thursday, December 12, 2019 by PA

Carlisle hope to take some much-needed points from their Sky Bet League Two match against fellow strugglers Grimsby on the back of a three-match league winless streak.

Defender Jon Mellish could be eyeing a return to the squad after missing the midweek FA Cup replay victory over Forest Green with a dead leg.

Aaron Hayden will be hoping to hold onto the right-back spot after putting in an impressive performance and scoring the only goal on Tuesday night.

Carlisle were without Jack Iredale (knee) for the cup tie and Saturday’s match may come too soon for him, while Harry McKirdy (knee) returned as a second-half substitute in midweek and could feature.

Grimsby’s winless streak stretches back to September as they sit level on points with their hosts and two places above them in 20th – five points off the foot of the table.

Midfielder Max Wright, who was previously sidelined for two months with a thigh injury, could play a part after coming off the bench in the second half of last weekend’s 3-0 defeat against leaders Swindon.

Elliott Hewitt misses out as he serves a one-match suspension.

Defender Luke Hendrie, who has been out for eight weeks with a hamstring problem, was an unused substitute last time out and could feature.