Cambridge boss Colin Calderwood is predicting an “excitable” start from managerless Carlisle United this weekend.

Caretaker manager Gavin Skelton’s first match in charge of United ended in a 2-1 defeat against Port Vale last weekend.

Despite the defeat, the Cumbrians took the lead in the first minute at Vale Park through Ryan Loft, and Calderwood is expecting a similarly sprightly start.

“I think there was a slight change of style and certainly their organisation in the last game,” Calderwood, whose own side have not won in their past five fixtures in all competitions, told The Cambridge News.

"They are bedding down a wee bit and, in the best way possible, [taking it] back to basics.

"We viewed them and, when the change was made, it was important that we concentrated on the last game and the slight differences that have been made.

"They had a great start in the game against Port Vale, then ended up getting beaten.

"But it’s a home game and with any team, as we found at Walsall [in Cambridge's last League Two match which they lost 2-1], who are not having as good a season as they would expect, I imagine it could be quite an excitable start.

"I’m sure they’ll be right up for it and ready for the challenge and thinking, if they can score an early goal, we’ll be tired from our travels.

"But we won’t be, we’re ready for it."

Skelton confirmed at today's press conference that Stefan Scougall is in contention to return for Saturday's league match, while frontman Hallam Hope will return to training tomorrow after he scored twice for Barbados in their 3-0 win against the Cayman Islands on Wednesday and then returned to England today.