Carlisle v Gillingham preview

Team news for Saturday's League One clash between Carlisle United and Gillingham at Brunton Park.

Carlisle captain Paul Thirlwell has an outside chance of returning to the squad for the home game against Gillingham. Midfielder Thirlwell, sidelined since New Year's Day with a calf injury, came through 45 minutes for the reserves in midweek unscathed and boss Graham Kavanagh must decide whether he is ready for league action. Teenager Charni Ekangamene is expected to continue in midfield following his debut last week and fellow Manchester United loanee Sam Byrne is hoping to make his first start after stepping off the bench in the defeat at Bristol City. Recent signing Dean Bouzanis is awaiting his debut in goal as he challenges Greg Fleming. Defenders Conor Townsend (foot) and Chris Chantler (ankle) remain sidelined. Elliott Hewitt is suspended for Gillingham's trip to Carlisle as Peter Taylor's side look to get back to winning ways. The on-loan defender saw red in Tuesday's disappointing 3-1 defeat at bottom club Stevenage and now serves a one-match ban at Brunton Park. Michael Harriman is likely to come in for Hewitt having been rested to the bench in midweek alongside skipper Adam Barrett, who is also pushing for a recall. Amine Linganzi (tendonitis) and Chris Whelpdale (ankle) will be assessed as they look to return but striker Danny Kedwell (hernia) remains sidelined.