Barrow and Swindon Town square off on Saturday afternoon with the teams having endured contrasting starts to the new League Two campaign.
At a time when the home side sit in third position in the standings, the visitors make the long trip North occupying 23rd place.
Match preview
© Imago
While the 2024-25 campaign is still in its infancy, many things are pointing to Barrow launching a sustained promotion bid.
Progressing past Derby County in the EFL Cup has set up a third-round date at Chelsea, but Stephen Clemence's priority will be on ensuring that his side remain in the top seven and above.
A total of nine points have been accumulated from their opening four matches, with the solitary defeat and goal conceded coming by a 1-0 scoreline at Carlisle United.
Goals could potentially be an issue with four of their six in League Two coming in the 4-0 victory over Port Vale, a team in which they also put three past in the EFL Cup first round.
Nevertheless, Clemence will be delighted with how the Bluebirds have started the season, and they will be looking to take advantage of a struggling Swindon outfit.
Mark Kennedy's team are yet to post a win in any competition, registering two wins and four defeats in what has been a struggle for the former Lincoln City boss.
Holding Chesterfield to a 1-1 draw on the opening weekend felt like a positive start, as did a goalless draw away at Crewe Alexandra.
However, Swindon have since lost at home to Walsall, where they conceded four goals, and to Notts County, succumbing by a 2-1 scoreline in the latter.
Taking last season into consideration, albeit with a different manager at the helm, Swindon have now failed to win any of their last nine competitive matches in all competitions.
- W
- L
- W
- W
- D
- L
- D
- L
Team News
Sam Foley and Andy Dallas both came into the Barrow XI to score against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Trophy in midweek.
However, the pair may each have to make do with a spot among the replacements with Clemence likely to revert back to a similar side from the 1-0 win at Harrogate Town.
Emile Acquah is unlikely to play any part having come off injured in that game after earlier being introduced as a substitute.
Kennedy should take the same approach with his Swindon side, recalling the players who dropped out for the EFL Trophy fixture with Exeter City.
Kabongo Tshimanga and Aaron Drinan both failed to get on the scoresheet in that game and are in line to be replaced by Harry Smith and Paul Glatzel in attack.
Danny Butterworth is also pushing for his first start since signing from Carlisle United.
Barrow possible starting lineup:
Farman; Eccleston, Vassell, Canavan, Jackson; Campbell, Gotts; Popov, Spence, Kouyate; Garner
Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Bycroft; Wright, Hall, Freckleton; Sobowale, Clarke, Kilkenny, Cotterill, King; Smith, Glatzel
We say: Barrow 2-1 Swindon Town
With Swindon unbeaten away from home in the league, this may not be as plain sailing for Barrow as many people anticipate. However, we are still backing the home side to come through with the three points, potentially through a late goal.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
