Tranmere boss Micky Mellon says his focus is on causing Carlisle United problems rather than worrying about how the Blues will respond to Chris Beech's sacking.

The manager of today' opponents admits it is difficult to predict how United will set up as a result of Beech's departure.

But Mellon says his own team must be proactive to counter any any possible lift in Carlisle's performance.

"For some reason that happens [after a manager change] but you've got to go there with your own mentality and give them something to deal with," he said.

"If we go and deliver on what we're good at we will give them problems."

On trying to second-guess United, Mellon added at a press conference: “The manager is gone, and his plan is no longer there.

"It’s difficult because either a new manager might come in, or they may change something, or they might even keep doing what they were doing before.

“It’s difficult to see any consistency in what they’re going to do now the manager has gone.”

Tranmere, despite their position among the play-off places, have yet to win or even score away from home in the league so far in 2021/22.

They have only conceded twice in five games on the road, meanwhile.

“You want to try and win every game you’re playing in, and of course we want to try and pick up some points away from home," Mellon added.

“But the main thing is what your point tally is. If that’s competitive at the right end of the league, you’ve got to be happy with that. But if we can pick up some away points to add to the home form, that would be a big positive.”

Tranmere have won their last four meetings with the Blues, United's last win over the Wirral outfit coming in 2015 when Charlie Wyke's double earned a 2-0 win.

Mellon, though, dismissed the significance of such a pattern.

"It doesn't matter one jot," he said. "It's different teams and managers, and times of year. It's a game in isolation.

"[Carlisle] is a place I personally enjoy. I like going to play up there. It's a nice place to go. I'm looking forward to it."

Mellon has Celtic loan defender Lee O'Connor back available from Republic of Ireland Under-21 international duty.