Cheltenham Town boss Darrell Clarke says his team must be ready for a “big battle” at Carlisle United.

Saturday’s game at Brunton Park sees a showdown between League Two’s bottom side and their 21st-placed hosts.

Manager Clarke has overseen improvement at Cheltenham since his appointment in late September.

But the Robins remain at the foot of the table as they try to bridge a three-point gap between themselves and United.

"It's a big game for them and for us," said Clarke.

"We are going there to try and get on the front foot and win the game.

“It's a long journey, but that's no excuse and we have to be ready for the battle, because it could be a big battle.

"Paul Simpson is a fantastic manager and he's done an unbelievable job there.

News and Star: Rob Street, left, is back from suspension for the RobinsRob Street, left, is back from suspension for the Robins (Image: PA)

“They have some players coming back from injury and there is no doubt it'll be a tough game for us."

Clarke, speaking to GloucestershireLive, has also issued a disciplinary warning to his side.

The Cheltenham boss, whose assistant is ex-Carlisle midfielder Adam Murray, is without defender Ben Williams because of a three-game suspension following a red card at Leyton Orient.

The visitors can, though, welcome back striker Rob Street from a ban.

"We can't afford to keep going down to ten men and the players have been fully warned about their discipline," Clarke said.

"We have to get it right because we want to be aggressive and on the front foot in games , but we don't want to be losing players for silly yellow cards and suspensions.”

Cheltenham have won three of their last eight games after showing signs of improvement under former Bristol Rovers, Walsall and Port Vale boss Clarke, who last weekend reached his 600th game in management.