Preview: Barrow vs. Stevenage - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts, meanwhile, will be hoping to return to end their poor run of form before the summer break after losing their last three matches.

Match preview

After finishing in 22nd place last season, Barrow have made a considerable improvement during the current campaign.

Having picked up 62 points from their 45 games, the Bluebirds are guaranteed to finish the season in ninth place in the League Two table.

However, Barrow's campaign has tailed off in recent weeks after a goalless draw against Swindon Town was followed with three consecutive defeats.

The Bluebirds got off to a positive start in their away meeting with Hartlepool United last weekend when Ged Garner opened the scoring, but it quickly turned into a disappointing afternoon for Barrow, as they conceded three goals and finished the encounter with nine men after Harrison Neal and Patrick Brough were given their marching orders.

Pete Wild's side have proven to be tough to beat on home turf in recent times, losing just one of their last seven matches at the SO Legal Stadium, although that defeat did take place in their most recent home outing against Carlisle United.

Stevenage, meanwhile, claimed a 2-0 victory over Grimsby Town last time out to secure promotion and end their nine-year stay in League Two.

Second-half efforts from Jamie Reid and Luther James-Wildin guided Stevenage to three crucial points against the Mariners, ensuring Steve Evans could celebrate the seventh promotion of his managerial career.

The hard work has already been completed, but Stevenage will still want to wrap up second position with third-placed Northampton Town just two points behind.

The Boro have won four of their last five matches, and after winning their last two matches they have the opportunity to end the 2022-23 campaign with three consecutive victories.

They have already enjoyed success against Barrow this term, cruising to a 5-0 home win when the two sides met in December.

Barrow League Two form:

L

W

D

L

L

L

Stevenage League Two form:

D

W

W

L

W

W

Team News

After being sent out in Barrow's defeat to Hartlepool, Neal and Brough will both miss the final game of the season through suspension.

With the pair ruled out of Monday's contest, Josh Kay and Elliot Newby could be presented with places in the starting lineup.

Jake Young is likely to replace Barrow's top scorer Josh Gordon, who will miss out due to a calf injury.

As for the visitors, there are expected to be without the services of Luke Norris and Terence Vancooten due to injury issues.

Michael Bostwick is also set to miss the final game of the season after he was forced off with a concussion in the first half of the 2-0 win over Grimsby.

James-Wildin replaced Bostwick last weekend, and the defender is likely to be handed a starting opportunity on Monday's encounter.

Barrow possible starting lineup:

Farman; McCelland, Ray, Canavan; Whitfield, Newby, Gotts, White, Kay; Young, Garner

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Lo-Tutala; Smith, James-Wildin, Sweeney, Piergianni, Clark; Gilbey, Reeves, Roberts; Reid, Rose

We say: Barrow 1-2 Stevenage

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