National League predictions

The Cumbrians finished third last season with 95 points before opting to replace the experienced Mark Hughes with Rob Elliot, mastermind of Gateshead's remarkable escape from relegation in the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, in the dugout. Carlisle look well-placed to kick on and have secured several impressive signings including Brad Nicholson and Kenton Richardson, who both played under Elliot and Gateshead, as well as mercurial midfielder Miguel Azzez following an impressive individual campaign with Morecambe. What makes the Cumbrians stand out is the wealth of resources they already had at their disposal, with talisman Regan Linney finding the net 23 times in 46 matches last season. Elliot's side are by no means a sure thing, however, and Carlisle have suffered several high profile injuries over the summer including to skipper Morgan Feeney and Ugandan international defender Bevis Mugabi. The Cumbrians have moved to bring in Fleetwood Town's Toby Mullarkey on a half-season loan to help plug the gap in the heart of their defence.