Preview: Barrow vs. Grimsby Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Barrow will welcome Grimsby Town to Holker Street on Friday for a game of major importance at both ends of the League Two table.

The hosts are looking to consolidate their spot in the playoff zone, while their visitors are six points above the drop zone.

Match preview

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Barrow head into this match on the back of a 1-0 victory over Newport County last Saturday afternoon, thanks to Cole Stockton's first-half goal.

They are now unbeaten in their last five League Two matches, moving them onto 64 points from 38 games and sixth position in the table.

The Bluebirds are six points adrift of the final automatic promotion spot, having played one game less than Wrexham who currently occupy that position. Victory on Friday could see them close the gap if other results go their way.

Barrow's home form this season has been relatively strong, picking up 37 points from their 19 matches in front of their own fans, suffering only two defeats in the process. They are also unbeaten in their last four home matches, winning three and drawing one.

However, they have struggled against their upcoming opponents, losing eight times in 13 encounters between them while winning just once and drawing four.

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Grimsby Town saw their six-game unbeaten run come to an end after a 3-1 defeat to Wrexham at Blundell Park last time out.

However, the Mariners are still six points above the relegation zone in 21st position, having played three games fewer than Sutton United who are in 23rd place.

With eight matches remaining, they will be looking to go on another positive run starting from their game on Friday and move further clear of the bottom two.

However, David Artell's side have just 14 points from 18 away matches this season, picking up the most draws on the road in the league (11) while being the third-worst side in the league.

Team News

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January arrival Stockton, who scored his fifth goal for Barrow against Newport, should get the nod alongside Dom Telford in attack once again.

Dean Cornelius dropped out of the midfield last weekend, leaving Robbie Gotts to remain with Kian Spence in the middle of the park.

Veteran James Chester will continue to play a key role at the heart of a back three that also have George Ray and Rory Feely.

Grimsby Town's top scorer Danny Rose will likely remain out of action, leaving Justin Obikwu and Donovan Wilson to lead the line once again.

Gavan Holohan should again take up an advanced role too, while Curtis Thompson will remain at the base of the midfield.

Barrow possible starting lineup: Farman; Ray, Chester, Feely; Warren, Campbell, Spence, Gotts, Whitfield; Telford, Stockton

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup: Cartwright; Mullarkey, Rodgers, Tharme, Hume; Thompson; Clifton, Holohan, Eisa; Obikwu, Wilson

We say: Barrow 1-0 Grimsby Town

Barrow's strong home form and Grimsby's away woes favor a home win. Although the away side's need for points adds intrigue, a tight game with Barrow edging it 1-0 is what we expect.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.