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Carlisle face a trip to Bristol on Saturday afternoon, hoping to improve upon an average previous return from this fixture. Of the 14 games played at the home of Rovers, United have won three and the Pirates six.
Last season in League One, in late December 2007, Rovers coasted to a 3-0 win after scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes through Andy Williams and Craig Hinton. Williams then netting his second goal of the game just before the hour-mark in front of 6,254 spectators.
The three wins that Carlisle have picked up at Bristol Rovers's various grounds over the years have all come by one goal margins. 2-1 in the fourth tier in the 2002-03 season (scorers Craig Farrell and Richie Foran - attendance 7,527), 1-0 in the third tier in 1981-82 (scorer Robert Lee - attendance 3,759) and 1-0 in the second division in 1975-76 (scorer Michael Barry - attendance 8,225).
For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here
| Recent encounters between the teams: | |||||
| 2007/2008 | Sat 29 Dec | Bristol Rovers | 3 - 0 | Carlisle | LGE1 |
| 2007/2008 | Sat 22 Sep | Carlisle | 1 - 1 | Bristol Rovers | LGE1 |
| 2005/2006 | Sat 15 Apr | Bristol Rovers | 1 - 1 | Carlisle | LGE2 |
| 2005/2006 | Sat 01 Oct | Carlisle | 1 - 3 | Bristol Rovers | LGE2 |
| 2004/2005 | Tue 23 Nov | Carlisle | 1 - 0 | Bristol Rovers | FAC |
| 2004/2005 | Sat 13 Nov | Bristol Rovers | 1 - 1 | Carlisle | FAC |
| 2003/2004 | Sat 24 Jan | Bristol Rovers | 1 - 0 | Carlisle | LGE2 |
Recent respective form guides
Bristol Rovers's disastrous home run meant they managed only two draws from their last six matches League one matches last season. The Pirates conceded a disappointing nine goals in that period, and managed to convert only three of their own chances.
Carlisle's away form was patchy as well though, with two wins, two draws, and two defeats from their final six matches of the 2007-08 campaign. A generous nine goals were both scored and conceded in this period.
For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here
| Last six league games form guide | P | W | D | L | F | A | P |
| Bristol Rovers | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 4 |
| Carlisle | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 4 |
FootyMad's prediction ...
The away form of the Cumbrians was not the best last season, though the Footymad panel sees them pulling off a narrow win on their visit to Bristol Rovers. Away win
| Sequence statistics: | |
| Bristol Rovers | Not won in previous 10 competitive home games. Won only once in last 17 competitive fixtures. |
| Carlisle | Four games since last competitive away draw. |