In terms of postponements, Harrogate have not experienced the same level of frustration as many of the other clubs in the EFL, their last fixture coming in this competition as recently as December 21.
However, after seeing their Boxing Day outing fail to come to fruition, Harrogate had to cancel their New Year’s Day meeting with Port Vale due to a number of coronavirus cases and injuries.
Manager Simon Weaver has insisted that ‘it is not rife’ within the squad, suggesting that their amount of injuries was ultimately the pivotal factor, but it naturally leaves the game on Tuesday in some doubt.
As it stands, though, Harrogate are looking to build on their triumph last time out as they came from behind to defeat Tranmere Rovers by a 2-1 scoreline at Prenton Park.
That success came on the back of three successive defeats in League Two, and they now sit five points adrift of the playoff positions.
Harrogate have fond recent memories of playing their next opponents with a 2-0 win being recorded away from home on November 23.
Since then, Carlisle have been much improved, claiming a much-needed nine points from four league fixtures to move three points clear of the relegation zone.
While losing at home to Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup was naturally disappointing, Keith Millen can only be left encouraged by the upward trajectory of his new team.
Carlisle ended a three-week absence from action on New Year’s Day with a potentially-crucial 1-0 win away at relegation rivals Scunthorpe United, defender Rod McDonald netting the only goal of the game and helping his team to a second successive victory and clean sheet.
The Cumbrians reached this stage of the competition by edging out Lincoln City on penalties in the previous round
