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

With just three matches remaining in the League Two season, Tranmere Rovers make the trip to Holker Street to face Barrow, hoping for a win that will steer them further away from the relegation zone.

The visitors sit just four points above the drop zone and in desperate need of a strong finish to the campaign, to guarantee their safety.

Match preview

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Barrow may no longer have anything tangible to fight for this season, but their performances tell a different story. Unbeaten in their last four matches, the Bluebirds have found some rhythm at just the right time, picking up two wins and two draws to show they remain a tough nut to crack regardless of position in the table.

Their latest result was a goalless draw away at Fleetwood, a match where they defended well and stayed organised despite lacking a cutting edge in the final third, leaving the hosts 15th in the standings with 56 points.

Barrow will hope to extend their unbeaten streak and will be confident of that thanks to a positive recent record against Tranmere, having won two and drawn one of the last three meetings between the sides, which includes a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park back in December.

While it is not possible to attain last season's tally of 69 points, Barrow's aim will now be to finish as high as possible, and ending the season unbeaten would be a strong message heading into the summer.

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For Tranmere Rovers, this is far more than just another match, as it could be season-defining, given they are just four points above the relegation zone with three games to go.

Rovers are in need of a big response after failing to win any of their last two matches with their most recent outing being a sobering one, getting thumped 3-0 away at Doncaster, denting both confidence and goal difference.

The Super White Army's away form has been particularly troubling, having failed to win any of their last three games on the road, managing just two draws and a defeat, which is a major concern heading into a tricky away day at Holker Street.

Momentum seems to have deserted Andy Crosby's side at a crucial stage, and this is further complicated by their recent head-to-head record against Barrow, having not beaten them in the last three meetings.

Tranmere's fight for survival is still in their hands, as a win here could secure their League Two status, but the margin for error is shrinking fast, and with two of their final three games on the road, including this one, every fixture feels like a final.

Team News

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Aaron Pressley started from the bench in Barrow's draw with Fleetwood last time out, but the in-form striker is likely to reclaim his spot from Emile Acquah for this one.

Sam Foley, Niall Canavan and MJ Williams will likely maintain their spots in the back three deployed by manager Andy Whing.

After leaving the Accrington game in the first half with an injury, Connor Wood recovered in time to make the Tranmere XI last time out.

The 28-year-old is expected to play in a back three alongside Lee O'Connor and Jordan Turnbull, while most of the players that started against Doncaster could retain their spot.

Barrow possible starting lineup: Stanway; Foley, Canavan, Williams; Jackson, Whitfield, Campbell, Gotts, Newby; Mahoney; Pressley

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup: McGee; O'Connor, Turnbull, Wood; Noman, Merrie, Finley, Hendry; Hawkes, Morris; Dennis

We say: Barrow 1-1 Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere need one more win to seal their League Two survival, and this will offer the visitors an extra incentive heading into this game, but Barrow have found momentum recently and should do enough to avoid defeat.

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