Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale says he is expecting a tough test from Carlisle United on Saturday after playing Keith Curle’s Cumbrians four times last season.
The Grecians met Carlisle twice in the league in 2016/17 – losing both games 3-2 to last-minute winners.
However, they drew a play-off semi-final game at Brunton Park 3-3 and then won 3-2 at St James Park, with a late winner from Jack Stacey, to book their spot in the League Two play-off final.
“We had a real tussle with Carlisle last season – four games, lots and lots of goals and a real challenge,” said Tis. “They have got the same manager and I am still at Exeter so there is already some recent history and I am looking forward to the game.
"Carlisle are a real test for anybody, they were last year and I expect them to be the same again this year.”
Considering there were 21 goals over the four games last campaign, would it be right to assume that Saturday’s match is also going to be a high scoring affair.
“I don’t know,” said Tis. “It was an extraordinary amount of goals to be scored over four games last season and in all those games it was exciting as well.
“I think we look at last year, but the reality is that it is a new season. I am still our manager and Keith is still their manager, but there are different players and different styles.
"At this level of football, styles change with the players. Players come and go and as a manager you try and get your strengths on the pitch. I think both teams are different to last season and it is very much earlier days. We are still only a quarter into the season so there is a lot of football to be played.
“However, we do like playing at Carlisle. It is a really good football pitch, a good stadium, and good football supporters up there.
"That doesn’t mean that it is easy. It is a test and it is a challenge, but it is a football challenge and we are looking forward to it.”
Jordan Tillson has recovered from the injury he picked up against Morecambe on Saturday to be fit for selection, while Jordan Moore-Taylor, who limped off in City’s defeat to Coventry City on September 23, is also making good progress and could be in line for a start on Saturday.
Going to Brunton Park on Saturday. Why not check out our travel guide here