Paul Simpson expects Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers to set Carlisle United the toughest test of their revival so far.

Tomorrow’s game sees League Two’s two form teams go up against each other.

While United are hoping to continue their climb away from the wrong end of the table, Barton’s fourth-placed Pirates are aiming to continue their march towards the automatic promotion places.

Both sides have won five of their last six league games and Simpson said: “I think it will be our biggest test.

“I think they [Bristol Rovers] are a good footballing side, a well organised side, they’ve got good individuals and I’m quite sure somebody with the mentality and experience of Joey Barton will get them properly wound up and ready to play.

“It’s a hell of a game. I just wish we were as consistent as them over the 37 games, that’s the only thing. They’re scrapping for the right reasons, we’re scrapping for the wrong reasons unfortunately.

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“But it’s a great game to look forward to. I’ve never come up against Joey Barton, so I’m really looking forward to our team going up against his team.

“I think it’ll be a really good test and it’s a chance for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the league, and see whether or not the league table is a reflection of what we are, or whether we maybe should be higher.”

Much has changed at both clubs since the last meeting – the 3-0 defeat for the Blues at the Memorial Stadium in October.

United have changed managers twice since that encounter, Chris Beech sacked the following day and Keith Millen lasting until February before Simpson’s return.

Rovers, meanwhile, have risen from the bottom half of the table to get within sight of an immediate return to League One, having won eight of their last ten league games.

Their dangermen include former Forest Green Rovers forward Aaron Collins, who has scored six in his last ten outings.

Ex-United captain Nick Anderton is likely to start at left-back, with former Blues loan striker Ryan Loft also in the visiting squad.

“I think they’re just a good all-round side,” added Simpson.

“I know Joey works really hard to get a good spirit amongst them, I’m sure they’ve got that.

“They’ve got good individual players, their two wide players are really effective, they play with a really high intensity, they want the ball quickly, they’re quick from free-kicks.

“They’ve got a good, consistent system that they play. I’m glad Joey Barton is on the sideline and can’t affect the game because he had a fantastic career. He seems to be doing a really good job as a manager as well.

“We’ve got to be absolutely switched on and on our ‘A game’ this weekend otherwise we’ll be in for a really tough afternoon.”

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