Chris Beech says Carlisle United will tomorrow come up against a Walsall side capable of beating – or losing to – anyone in League Two.

The Saddlers provide the Blues’ first opposition of 2021 as United bid to start the new year on a winning note.

Victory at the Banks’s Stadium (kick-off 3pm) could take Carlisle to the top of the table.

In order to do that they must overcome Darrell Clarke’s 11th-placed hosts.

United boss Beech said that, if the hosts hit form, they can be highly challenging opponents.

He said: “They’ve got outstanding individuals that did ever so well last season, strikers, wingers, they’ve got a couple of lads who I’ve worked with as a coach, and they’ve got a great honesty among their group.

“That’s something Darrell’s always prided himself on his team representing.

“He stated the other day they’re well capable of beating anybody in the league, as they are of losing to anybody.

“On their day we know they’re very good. They whacked Tranmere on the first day Tranmere had fans at home, and they’re capable of doing something like that quite easily on their day.

“We have to be aware of their strengths, and we’ve got to see what we’ve got available to maximise our chances to go against them.

“At the moment it’s a bit thin in terms of bodies on the training pitch, but we’ll look to find a way.”

Beech is leaving things as late as possible before deciding whether some of his sidelined players can return.

Top scorer Jon Mellish is among those hoping to be fit after being left out of Tuesday’s aborted game at Harrogate, along with striker Gavin Reilly.

Nick Anderton will miss a third game as he continues to self-isolate, with Gime Toure also set to miss out after returning to France for a family matter.

Dean Furman, who was recalled to Tuesday's starting XI, could again be in the frame to start, with Beech also likely to utilise some of Carlisle’s younger players if his ranks remain depleted.

Beech has tried to see the upside to Tuesday’s abandonment as United now prepare to hit the road again.

“The other day was a bit of a strange circumstance but in hindsight it’s a little bit of a rest too,” he said.

“If anything it’s probably come at a good time for us to get prepared to play a very good team in Walsall.

“I know the manager, and although Marcus Stewart’s not there any more, I’m still very good friends with him and know in their time there they’ve built up a good, honest team that gave 100 per cent.

“We have to be prepared for a very energised Walsall team, especially when they’re playing at home.”

Walsall are likely to be without attacking midfielder Rory Holden, who has a knee injury.

The Banks’s Stadium was the setting for Beech’s first league victory in charge of Carlisle back in December 2019, when a late Harry McKirdy goal earned a 2-1 win.

United also beat the Saddlers by the same scoreline at Brunton Park a month later.