Altrincham manager Neil Gibson expects a tough test from Carlisle United this weekend despite his side's strong league position. Gibson believes Carlisle are a very good team likely to finish higher than their current ninth place in the National League.

"They’re a very good team that are probably going to end up finishing higher in the league than they are currently," Gibson said. His side, sitting seventh with 28 points from 16 games, must handle significant injury problems ahead of the match. Top scorer Jimmy Knowles is ruled out for four months with a foot injury, while loan forward Leo Farrell and winger Charlie Kirk are also fitness doubts after Kirk came off in the midweek draw.

Injury concerns mount

The absence of Knowles, who has been a key attacking threat, is a major blow to Altrincham's promotion ambitions. The loss is compounded by the issues surrounding Farrell and Kirk, limiting Gibson's options in forward areas. The manager will have to be creative with his selections and game plan. Summer signing Kristian Dennis, who recently returned from injury and scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win at Yeovil Town, may be called upon for a more prominent role.

Play-off position at stake

Altrincham's recent form has been mixed, with a 2-4 home defeat to Carlisle just last week followed by a 0-0 draw with Kidderminster Harriers at the J.Davidson Stadium. That stalemate was the first time Altrincham had dropped points at home since the opening game of the season, ending a run of victories against FC Halifax Town, Eastleigh, Hartlepool United, Hornchurch, and Aldershot Town. The result leaves them seventh in the standings, 16 points behind leaders Boreham Wood with a goal difference of zero after scoring and conceding 24 goals.

Goalkeeper Harry Isted acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating Carlisle are a good team and the match will be really good. Altrincham's recent results sequence reads LDWWD, showing resilience but also inconsistency. Gibson's immediate focus is on devising a creative plan to overcome a strong Carlisle side and his own squad's injury woes to keep Altrincham in the play-off conversation. After facing Carlisle, Altrincham's next fixture is a tough away trip to second-placed Harrogate Town on 14 November.

The original report is at News & Star