Preview: Barrow vs. Tranmere Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts enter the fray following a draw away to Salford City, while the visitors travel to Cumbria off the back of a victory over Doncaster Rovers on Boxing Day.

Match preview

Barrow have been impressive on the whole in 2022-23 and sit seventh in the League Two standings, occupying the final playoff position going into their match against Tranmere.

Pete Wild has overseen a massive improvement in his side from last season, when the Bluebirds were on the brink of falling out of the Football League entirely.

Nevertheless, Barrow are without a win in their last four matches in all competitions, which will need to be rectified sooner rather than later to keep their playoff hopes intact.

Last time out, a strike from Jordan Stevens clinched a 1-1 draw away to Salford for Barrow, cancelling out an opening effort from Matt Smith in the 26th minute.

Should Barrow claim all three points this weekend, they could move as high as fourth in the table, depending on results elsewhere.

On the other hand, Tranmere make the trip to Barrow looking to move further up the league and potentially stake a playoff charge of their own.

The Super White Army find themselves 14th in League Two, having accumulated 30 points from 22 matches under boss Micky Mellon.

Tranmere have been defensively solid throughout the campaign and have conceded the third-fewest goals in the division with 18, only being bettered by Leyton Orient and Stevenage.

In their most recent outing, efforts from Kane Hemmings, Kieron Morris and Paul Lewis ensured a comfortable 3-0 win for Tranmere over Doncaster on Boxing Day.

Moving ahead to Thursday, Tranmere manager Mellon will be hoping for more of the same as he aims to claim a vital win that would boost their hopes of reaching the playoff positions.

Barrow League Two form:

W

L

W

L

L

D

Barrow form (all competitions):

L

W

L

L

L

D

Tranmere Rovers League Two form:

D

D

L

D

L

W

Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions):

D

L

L

D

L

W

Team News

Barrow will need to do without Josh Kay, who is still serving a suspension picked up earlier in the month for conduct in a match against Leyton Orient in September.

Jordan Stevens will keep his place on the right flank following his goal against Salford, while Billy Waters may come in to replace Josh Gordon to spearhead the attack.

Sam Foley, George Ray and Tyrell Warren are all at risk of suspension if they pick up a yellow card during the match.

Tranmere are unlikely to make many changes for the trip to Barrow owing to their impressive victory over Doncaster as they eye another strong performance.

Ross Doohan will maintain his place between the sticks due to keeping a clean sheet in his last outing, while Kane Hemmings is certain to lead the line after his goalscoring exploits on Boxing Day.

Jake Burton could come into the side for Joel Mumbongo, while Jordan Turnbull risks suspension if he is booked during proceedings.

Barrow possible starting lineup:

Lillis; Warren, Ray, Canavan, Brough; Neal, Foley; Stevens, White, Whitfield; Waters

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:

Doohan; Cogley, Turnbull, Davies, Bristow; Morris, Merrie, O'Connor, Hawkes; Burton, Hemmings

We say: Barrow 1-0 Tranmere Rovers

In a match with permutations regarding the playoff positions, we expect both sides to fight it out in a game that could go right to the wire.

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