Former Carlisle United midfielder James Berrett is hoping to overcome a back problem in time to face the Blues today.

Grimsby manager Russell Slade will make a late check on the 28-year-old ahead of today's 14th-v-15th clash at Blundell Park.

Berrett made 198 appearances for Carlisle between 2010-14, scoring 27 goals.

He was influential in the clubs' last meeting at Blundell Park, earning a penalty for Grimsby in a 2-2 draw.

Slade also hopes Martyn Woolford and Jamey Osborne will be fit to play, but Paul Dixon is suspended and Sean McAllister is doubtful.

United's opponents, level on points with Keith Curle's side, have drawn their last three league home games 0-0.

Their scoring record of seven goals in eight home games is the second-worst in League Two.

But Curle believes Carlisle will need to be defensively tight in a game he expects to be far from predictable.

"On their day they [Grimsby] are dangerous - they can score goals and be creative, and before last weekend they were on a decent run of being undefeated," Curle said.

"They haven't had the results that they'll think some of their performances will have merited.

"I don't think it will be an open, expansive game. I think it will be cagey and I don't think either team will finish with the same formation they start with."

Curle is likely to bring Jamie Devitt back into his squad today as United begin life without Nicky Adams, who is out for the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.