LAST MEETING: Leyton Orient 2 Carlisle 2 (League One 29-08-09) The last clash between the pair sums up Orient’s season up to Christmas, as they succumbed to a late equaliser.

Orient battled back with a brace by Scott McGleish after Matt Robson had put Carlisle in front on 41 minutes.

But the hosts conspired to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory in extra time, when Blues captain Paul Thirwell bent his shot into the far corner of the net.

HEAD TO HEAD: Carlisle 18 wins, Orient 15 wins, and nine draws FORM: Carlisle defeated Leeds 2-1 earlier this month, in the first leg of the Johnstone Paint Trophy final.

The Cumbrians’ campaign mirrors Orient in some ways. It has been a tough season, punctuated by unexpected wins against promotion-chasing Charlton Athletic But they have lost as many times as they have won at their Brunton Park home, so far this season.

That is partly due to the third worst home goals tally in the division. However, Orient’s away goals tally is little better.

DANGER MAN: Orient take heart from the fact that the top-scorer at Carlisle is a defender.

Left back Ian Harte carved out a reputation as a set-piece specialist at Leeds Utd, during happier times.

FUN FACT: Literary T.V host Melyvn Bragg is a Carlisle Utd fan after his childhood in Cumbria.

PREDICTION: 2-1 Orient win