Paul Simpson is urging Carlisle United to make the most of the opportunity against Cumbrian rivals Barrow tonight.

A draw or a victory at Brunton Park would take the Blues into the automatic promotion places.

And the challenge of doing so against Pete Wild’s play-off chasers hardly needs any build-up, United boss Simpson admits.

“It’s a big game – a really big game,” Simpson said.

“It’s a long time since Carlisle and Barrow have been competing at the top end of League Two.

“We’ve got to make sure we make the most of the opportunity.”

Carlisle’s chance to go third comes as third-placed Northampton Town are not in action tonight.

The fourth-placed Blues will hope to make the most of one of League Two’s strongest home records against their ninth-placed visitors in front of what should be the biggest midweek crowd of the season at United’s ground.

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The Bluebirds have not won at Brunton Park since 1959, though they did defeat the Cumbrians earlier this season in the Papa John’s Trophy at Holker Street.

While United are hoping for a fourth straight win for the first time this season, Barrow are aiming to bounce back from Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Northampton Town.

Simpson has not ruled out making changes to freshen up his side amid a busy run of games.

But he admits an unchanged side in the last two games have made a strong claim to keep the shirts for tonight's rearranged fixture.

“Those starting want to keep it,” said Simpson, who is likely to be without Tobi Sho-Silva (ankle).

“There were some tired legs out there [at Rochdale on Saturday] and I’m going to have to have a think about what we do for [tonight], see how they all are.

“That’s the next challenge for us, to make sure we get the right 11 that has the energy to do the job for us.

“All of these lads are putting a shift in for us and hopefully they’ll keep doing it.”

*Don't miss the action with our live blog from Carlisle United v Barrow AFC tonight**