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

The Red Dragons saw their five-match domestic unbeaten run end with a 3-1 defeat at Walsall this week, with the Blue Birds moving to within a point of them in the table after playing to a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley.

Match preview

Another rough second-half outing away from home proved to be too much for Wrexham to overcome, as they ended 2023 on a sour note, dropping points for the third time in their last four league fixtures on the road.

Two of their next three domestic encounters occur at the Racecourse Ground, where this team have been at their best all season, riding an 11-match unbeaten run at home in this competition, including six successive triumphs.

Under Phil Parkinson, Wrexham have always been able to shake off a disappointing result quickly, never losing consecutive domestic encounters since he took charge.

Speaking of consistency, that is something we have seen from the Robins all season in the attacking third, finding the back of the net in 12 of their last 13 domestic contests while only being held scoreless in three league fixtures.

Their last seven victories in this competition have all occurred when they have kept the opposition off the scoresheet in the opening half, while they have not won a League Two encounter when being scored on in the opening 45 minutes since October 14 (3-2 win over Salford City).

They are unbeaten in their last seven domestic games played in January, suffering only one league defeat this month since their 2021-22 National League campaign (3-1 loss to Notts County on January 2, 2022).

Slowly but surely, Barrow are climbing their way up the League Two standings, extending their unbeaten run to 14 matches in this competition earlier this week.

That is an impressive run of form, though manager Pete Wild knows it could be even better with his side failing to win their last two games despite being in front in the second half, as those four points dropped could have them in second place.

Being away from home may be what they need to return to their winning ways, as the club from Cumbria have claimed three points in five consecutive league contests outside of Holker Street, with at least a point in six successive away contests.

They make up for whatever they lack in firepower with a solid defensive front, conceding the second-fewest goals (20) in League Two thus far.

While they have let a couple of advantages slip away recently, Barrow have only been behind in one of their previous 12 league fixtures, storming back with four second-half goals to defeat Colchester United in late November (4-1).

They have only suffered one defeat in their last nine encounters against Wrexham, coming back to earn a 1-1 draw at home versus the Red Dragons earlier this season.

Wrexham League Two form:

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Wrexham form (all competitions):

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Barrow League Two form:

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Barrow form (all competitions):

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Team News

Wrexham were missing James Jones through suspension for the match against Walsall, Eoghan O'Connell is still recovering from a thigh issue, Jordan Tunnicliffe has a nerve problem and Aaron Hayden is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Parkinson made two changes to his starting 11 from the side that began their Boxing Day affair with Swindon Town, bringing in Luke Young to replace the suspended James Jones, while Paul Mullin started in the attack instead of Anthony Forde.

Mullin had their only strike on Friday, his eighth of the domestic campaign while leading scorer Elliot Lee has not found the back of the net in his last two league fixtures.

Junior Tiensia recently underwent successful ankle surgery but might still be out for Barrow on Monday, while Tyrell Warren is back to full training but missed their match with Accrington Stanley with a minor knock.

There were two changes made to their lineup from Boxing Day to Friday, with Tom White and Gerard Garner coming into the fold, replacing Kian Spence and Ben Whitfield.

Whitefield had the only goal in their 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley, his fourth in his last three domestic contests, while a 52nd-minute strike from Emile Acquah enabled them to earn a 1-1 draw with Wrexham on matchday five.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Okonkwo; Forde, Boyle, Tozer, O'Connor, McClean; Barnett, Cannon, Lee; Mullin, Dalby

Barrow possible starting lineup:

Farman; Ogungbo, Ray, Canavan; Stephenson, Spence, White, Foley, Newby; Telford, Garner

We say: Wrexham 2-2 Barrow

Six of the last eight meetings between these two teams has resulted in a draw, and this one could end up that way as well.

Given the form Wrexham and Barrow are in at home and away respectively, and how close things are in the table, we expect a spirited affair on Monday, though we do not believe either will have a decisive edge.

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