Preview: Barrow vs. Salford City - prediction, team news, lineups

Barrow are mid-table coming into the meeting with Salford, whilst the visitors are sixth in the League Two table.

Match preview

Pete Wild's Bluebirds are firmly in mid-table in League Two ahead of Tuesday night's fixture, as just three wins in the last 15 league games have surely killed any lingering hopes of a playoff push.

2022-23 is still shaping up to be a terrific season for Barrow as the Bluebirds are only in their third season back in the EFL after winning the National League in 2019-20.

Barrow have a top-half finish firmly in their sights which would represent a huge achievement for a club of their size, and the Cumbria outfit are looking for a third consecutive win on Tuesday night following victories over Stockport County and Bradford City.

The Bluebirds' home form is a concern though, with the win over Stockport on Saturday their first victory in six matches in front of their own fans. They have also failed to score in six home matches this season.

Recording back-to-back home wins on Tuesday night would be most welcome for a set of fans who have been starved of excitement at Holker Street this season.

Josh Gordon's 11 league goals have been crucial in keeping Barrow from being sucked into a relegation battle and he is aiming to record the highest-ever EFL goals tally by a Barrow player.

Neil Wood's Salford are firmly in the hunt for promotion to League One and claimed a fantastic 5-2 away win at promotion rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The victory in their last match reignited their promotion hopes after they had previously gone three games without a win and another three points on Tuesday will consolidate their position in the playoff places, and could take them to within two points of the automatic promotion places.

Saturday's win was City's first away victory in five matches and they will need to improve their consistency on the road if they are to maintain their promotion ambitions.

Elliot Watt has been a key player for Salford this season as his 13 assists from midfield is the highest total in the division and they have been central to the Ammies' campaign.

Barrow are winless in all five of their meetings with Salford - they have only faced Brighton and Bournemouth more times without winning.

City have also won on their previous two visits to Holker Street so will be confident of continuing their fine recent record against the Cumbria outfit on Tuesday night

Barrow League Two form:

L

D

L

L

W

W

Salford City League Two form:

W

W

L

D

L

W

Team News

Both Pete Wild and Neil Wood have fully fit squads to choose from ahead of Tuesday night's fixture.

The Bluebirds are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 system with Saturday's match-winner Josh Kay partnering Josh Gordon upfront.

Sam McClelland, Niall Canavan and George Ray will make up Barrow's defence and Elliot Newby and Patrick Brough will take up the wing-back roles.

Salford City are likely to name an unchanged team from their thumping win at Mansfield with Callum Hendry being supported by Luke Bolton and Aston Villa loanee Louie Barry in attack.

Matty Lund will protect the back four and allow the two number eights in the 4-3-3 system to support the forwards.

Barrow possible starting lineup:

Farman; McClelland, Canavan, Ray; Newby, Gotts, White, Neal, Brough; Kay, Gordon

Salford City possible starting lineup:

Cairns; Lowe, Vassell, Leak, Touray; Lund, Watson, Watt; Bolton, Hendry, Barry

We say: Barrow 0-2 Salford City

Salford will be buoyed by their win over Mansfield last time out and the promotion chasers will be confident of recording a second victory in three days at one of their favourite away grounds.

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