Carlisle vs Crewe Alexandra - Junior Joachim in line for first Carlisle start against Crewe

Posted Friday, March 24, 2017 by PA

Carlisle boss Keith Curle could take a gamble on new French striker Junior Joachim as he bids to end a club record run of 596 minutes without scoring in Sky Bet League Two.

The Cumbrians face Crewe at Brunton Park with their promotion hopes hanging in the balance after a dreadful run of six games without a win.

Joachim came off the bench at Mansfield last week and could be joined in the starting line-up by the recalled John O'Sullivan.

Jabo Ibehre (hamstring), Mike Jones (ankle), Jamie Devitt (thigh), Macaulay Gillesphey (medial ligaments), and Jason Kennedy (groin) are all expected to be out.

Crewe have no new problems and boss David Artell could name an unchanged side.

Artell may pick the same starting line-up for the third straight match following back-to-back wins against Crawley and Colchester, although on-loan forward Alex Kiwomya and midfielder Ryan Wintle are options.

Jon Guthrie (hernia) and Danny Hollands (hamstring) remain absent for the Alex.

Reserve goalkeeper Dave Richards has undergone surgery on a fractured finger so Andy Dawber, on loan from Altrincham, continues to provide back-up to Ben Garratt.