CARLISLE caretaker boss Gavin Skelton says there is no underestimating the importance of tomorrow's game with Oldham Athletic.

Keith Curle's former club are second bottom, with current club Latics a place above them and out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Both have 11 points from their opening 13 games, and both need the win to ease the pressure.

Carlisle have gone seven league games without a win, a run which contributed to the sacking of Chris Beech earlier this month.

United are seeking a first win in eight league games against an Oldham side who could include former Carlisle striker Hallam Hope.

“It’s important,” he said. “We are where we are in the league, and you can hide behind it (if you want) – but it’s a really important game.

“We have to stay relaxed, focused, play our best and understand the importance of it.

"They’ve got some really good and talented players.

“It’s about nullifying their threats, and I think the best way to do that is based on how we play and how we cause them problems.

“We respect their good players. They showed it at times last year, and we got beat 3-1 off them at home; some of those players will be playing again so we know how talented they can be."

Dylan Bahamboula and Carl Piergianni were both among the scorers as Latics came back from behind on their last visit to Brunton Park in February, and both are likely to start tomorrow, with Piergianni available after serving a one-match ban for accumulated bookings, while former Carlisle striker Hallam Hope will be in the squad.

In recognising Latics' off field problems, Skelton added: “People are talking about their embargo and the fact that they can’t sign players but they’ve already got a strong squad.

“They’ve got some good footballers in there but they’re having issues like us in terms of where they are in the league, and there are also areas we think we can exploit with our excellent players as well.”

Of the prospect of facing Hope, Skelton said: “Hallam’s a good player and I liked working with him. We’ll be aware of his threats but he’s just one of many in their squad.”