Preview: Barnet vs. Scunthorpe United - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Bees have put together a much-improved run of form, Scunthorpe needed three points against Gateshead on Tuesday to progress into 20th position.

Match preview

On the back of two seasons scrapping for survival in the fifth tier, Barnet desperately required some sort of revival in 2022-23, and the signs are there that they can mount a bid for the playoffs.

Barnet have already put together four-match unbeaten runs and five-game winless streaks this campaign, yet it is the current stint of three wins from four matches which has been the biggest difference maker thus far.

Dean Brennan's side have not kept a clean sheet during that run - in fact, they have conceded 12 times in 360 minutes of football - but improving their attacking record to the extent where it is the third best in the National League has kept this team on track.

However, Barnet like to record wins in dramatic circumstances, a 2-1 success against Maidenhead United coming courtesy of an 82nd-minute winner, before they remarkably defeated Bromley 3-1 in midweek when trailing with six minutes remaining.

After Idris Kanu had netted an equaliser, Harry Pritchard scored twice in added-on time to put Barnet on the brink of moving into the top seven.

As for Scunthorpe United, they have endured a topsy-turvy few months since relegation from the EFL, beginning the season with six defeats from seven games.

Since then, just one setback has come in eight outings, yet it took a 3-1 victory over Gateshead in midweek to move four points clear of bottom spot.

Interim manager Tony Daws is helping steady the ship during an important period for the club's future, and there will be confidence that another positive result can come from Friday's fixture.

Nevertheless, as well as being without a clean sheet in the National League this season, Scunthorpe are also still searching for their first away win.

Barnet National League form:

L

L

W

L

W

W

Scunthorpe United National League form:

W

D

D

D

L

W

Team News

Given the quick turnaround and subsequent comeback against Bromley having made three substitutes, Brennan will consider freshening up his Barnet side.

Dominic Revan may replace Sam Woods, who made his first start since March, while Ryan Hall and Kian Flanagan are both options in creative areas.

Barring any fitness issues, Daws may be against making alterations to his Scunthorpe side after they ended their winless run.

Although George Taft has been a regular in the centre of defence this season, he dropped out of the team in midweek and will likely have to spend a second game on the substitutes' bench.

Barnet possible starting lineup:

Walker; Collinge, Revan, Okimo, Wynter, De Havilland, Armstrong, Gorman, Pritchard, Kanu, Kabamba

Scunthorpe United possible starting lineup:

Dewhurst; Wallace, Boyce, Ntlhe, O'Malley, Ogle, Butterfield, Bestin, Apter, Lavery, Nuttall

We say: Barnet 2-1 Scunthorpe United

With both teams having endured a frustrating season on different levels, both teams will be eager to go all out for three points on Friday evening. However, we cannot ignore that Scunthorpe's away record is one of the worst in the division, leaving us to predict a narrow win for the home side.

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