The League Two clash at Brunton Park is of huge importance to both teams as Carlisle look to climb out of the relegation zone and put pressure on those teams above them, Northampton included, who are starting to look nervously over their shoulders.
The Cobblers' position is far less precarious than at the same time last year as they come up to the one-year anniversary of Aidy Boothroyd's departure from the club, in the wake of a damaging 4-1 home defeat by Wycombe Wanderers.
Chris Wilder was in downbeat mood after a similarly poor display at Sixfields last weekend when Plymouth Argyle raced into a three-goal lead but the Town manager has recovered some of his optimism as the week has progressed.
“We have to look forward now and I want to see the players who come out of the pack who have taken the criticism on the chin," he told the official club website, while confirming that defender Ryan Cresswell has been ruled out of the game.