Managers Jim Nichols and James Tose are looking for a competitive match as Penrith AFC travel to play Carlisle City.

Both sides will continue their build-up to their respective 2017/18 league seasons with the friendly at Gillford Park this afternoon, which is due to kick-off at the slightly earlier time of 2pm.

Carlisle United have beaten both teams during their own build-up to the kick-off for their League Two campaign for the new term.

The Bonny Blues were beaten 5-0 by Keith Curle's men but, apart from that defeat, Nichols' men have won all of their friendlies.

And the Penrith manager is pleased with how his new-look squad has settled despite goalkeeper Jonny Jamieson, forward Kevin Connelly and midfielder Mathew Read all having linked-up with former Bonny Blues boss Matt Henney at Gretna 2008.

"We have had a big change around in players," Nichols said.

"Those three went to Gretna with Matt and another two or three have left for a variety of reasons.

"But I think, looking at what we have got, I think we are a better footballing team than we were last season."

Despite the defeat to Carlisle in that friendly, Blues boss Curle himself appeared impressed with some of Penrith's young players.

Nichols said: "When we came out of the Carlisle game, the first thing Keith said to me was 'you have some good players here'.

"That is quite a complement to them."

Meanwhile, Carlisle City will come into today's game after beating Scottish side Lochar Thistle on Wednesday.

The win came after the Sky Blues were beaten 3-1 by Cleator Moor Celtic last Friday.

"It is always nice to win games," admitted City boss Tose. "But I think the Cleator Moor game could have been the best thing that could have happened for us.

"That kind of gave the players a kick up the backside."

Meanwhile, ahead of the friendly clash against Penrith, Tose said: "It's just about getting a nice competitive game."

Penrith's Nichols added: "I think they will be a much improved side. It will be a test of where we are."