CARLISLE United will travel 185 miles to the Poundland Bescot Stadium to take on Walsall in the second round of the FA Cup on Saturday, November 24

Ahead of this clash with the Saddlers, we took a look at how the WhoScored stats reflect on Carlisle's chances of extending their cup run.

When the game gets underway on Saturday, on the outskirts of Birmingham, it wall have been 14 days since the goalless stalemate between the two sides. 

In that time, Paul Simpson's side travelled to the Peninsula Stadium where they thrashed Salford City 1-4, whilst Michael Flynn's men defeated Crawley 2-1.

In the first meeting of the sides this season, it was a story of defences over attacks, with Walsall's back three of Hayden White, Donervon Daniels and Emmanuel Monthe standing firm against the Blues' advances. 

This Saddlers partnership made 4 interceptions in the game, combined with 7 clearances.

However, it was an encounter where Paul Simpson's side were wasteful and failed to take their chances. The Blues' notched up 11 shots, but only 2 of these were on target.

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In addition, an imperious Owen Moxon supplied his forward with 5 of Carlisle's 9 key passes and delivered some world-class corners which were begging to be nodded home. Despite this creativity and apparent dominance for large portions of the game, the Saddlers could not be broken down.

Carlisle, even with their advantages, were wasteful with the ball, being dispossessed or turning over the ball on 26 occasions, 13 of which came as the Blues looked to create on the left hand side through Jack Armer. 

This only went unpunished as Michael Flynn's side were even more inefficient with possession and could not capitalise on Carlisle's errors.

Against Salford, the picture was reversed. After an early goal and subsequent domination from the Ammies, Paul Simpson found the winning formula and inspired his team to a thumping away win.

However, when the numbers are broken down, it becomes apparent why Carlisle deserved their victory. 

In the game, The Blues had 17 shots. Only 6 were on target but this is impressive given the fact that they only had 36.9% possession, showing an ability to play without the ball and still create chances.

Carlisle also only produced 2 more key passes than they had managed against the Saddlers but were more clinical in front of goal.

Furthermore, Paul Simpson's side utilised the quality of their set-piece deliveries with 2 of their 4 goals coming from as a result of corners.

Salford were not without their own opportunties, but Paul Simpson had his side well set-up with Carlisle producing 12 interceptions and 31 clearances. This defensive solidity capped off a game which was also characterised by The blues' poise and ability to be clinical when their opporrtunities arose.

From these stats it is clear that Carlisle have the quality to defeat the Saddlers in the FA Cup and to supplement this, have the defensive structure to keep their lively forwards, like Danny Johnson at bay.

However, If Carlisle wish to reach the third round of the FA Cup and better the goalless draw between the two sides two weeks ago, they will have to take their chances and ensure that they build on the performance against Salford where they used the ball intelligently and efficiently.

READ MORE: All the numbers behind Carlisle United's travelling thrashing of Salford City