Preview: Barrow vs. Hartlepool United - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side are currently sixth in the league standings, while the away side are 23rd and need a result to move themselves out of the relegation zone.

Match preview

Under the helm of manager Pete Wild, Barrow have put a much-improved run of form together this term and will have goals of promotion rather than simply preserving their place in the division, which the previous aim seems to have been.

The Bluebirds are four points off the automatic promotion places after a very solid end to October, defeating Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra at Holker Street, before opening their November account with a 3-1 home win against Colchester United.

The Cumbrian side will relish being back on home soil this weekend, as that is where they have gathered the majority of their points, picking up seven wins out of nine in front of their own fans, the third-best home record in the league.

Wild's men did come unstuck in their last game at Holker Street, however, losing 1-0 to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup, the same scoreline that was recorded in their following match, in which they were defeated 1-0 away at Crawley Town.

An early Ashley Nadesan effort was the difference between the two sides in a game that Barrow dominated, having 19 shots compared to Crawley's six, but they failed to make their supremacy pay.

Hartlepool have had a difficult start to their second full season back in the EFL, and they are currently one point from safety, having picked up 12 points from their opening 18 games.

Former manager Paul Hartley was sacked in September following a 2-1 defeat against a struggling Harrogate Town side, after also enduring a nine-game winless run.

However, the new man in the dugout, Keith Curle, has so far failed to improve results to any meaningful degree, winning one and losing three of his four League Two games in charge.

In fairness, Curle has been handed some tough fixtures in his opening matches, making trips to Swindon Town and Stevenage, both of which his side only lost by a one-goal margin, but results need to start improving soon or the club once again risks losing their EFL status.

Last time out, there was some cause for celebration as Hartlepool progressed to the second round of the FA Cup, courtesy of a victory over National League side Solihull Moors on penalties, but they face a far tougher test on Saturday.

Barrow League Two form:

L

D

W

W

W

L

Barrow form (all competitions):

D

W

W

W

L

L

Hartlepool United League Two form:

L

L

L

L

W

L

Hartlepool United form (all competitions):

L

L

W

D

L

W

Team News

Sam Foley remains a doubt in the Barrow midfield, missing the game against Crawley last week with a shoulder and back issue, so Harrison Neal may continue in the centre of the pitch.

In defence, Sam McClelland is set to be sidelined for a few more weeks, accompanied on the treatment table by Robbie Gotts, who has a thigh issue.

The creative talents of Ben Whitfield have been key to the Bluebirds' impressive start, picking up nine assists and three goals so far, and Wild should continue to feature his star man in midfield, supporting Josh Gordon and Billy Waters in attack.

Reghan Tumilty bagged a 90th-minute equaliser against Solihull last time out, his first goal for the club, and he is set to feature again in defence, playing on the right, with Brody Paterson on the opposite side.

Euan Murray and David Ferguson have been consistent choices from Curle in the heart of defence, with the latter completing 120 minutes last time out, despite not being included for the original tie due to injury.

Defensive absences have been a recurring issue this season, and Rollin Menayese remains on the treatment table, as does Alex Lacey.

Barrow possible starting lineup:

Farman; Warren, Ray, Canavan, Kenlock; Whitfield, Neal, White, Kay; Gordon, Waters

Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:

Killip; Tumilty, Murray, Ferguson, Paterson; Featherstone, Sylla, Cooke; Umerah, Robinson, Hamilton

We say: Barrow 2-0 Hartlepool United

Barrow have won their last four games at Holker Street in all competitions, so strugglers Hartlepool should be no match for them on Saturday. We expect it to be a comprehensive victory for the Bluebirds, and they could win by more if they are really on their game.

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