Barrow vs Cheltenham Prediction: Robins can pick up positive result

Barrow and Cheltenham have near identical records in League Two ahead of their Friday evening showdown at Holker Street. Both sit in the lower echelons of the division having each collected only 21 points from 20 games. But while Barrow are winless in six league outings, Cheltenham have lost only one of their last five in all competitions and are showing some signs of progress under manager Steve Cotterill.

Barrow have won only two of their 10 home league games this season, which is one of the worst records in the league, and they will be keen to right those wrongs against Cheltenham in order to ease their mounting relegation fears. Below are my Barrow vs Cheltenham predictions, as well as the essential team news and match odds.

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Team News

Hosts Barrow are without long-term absentee Sam Foley while Rhys Healey, Kerr Smith and Tyler Walker are also no nearer to making their returns.

For Cheltenham, Sam Sherring, George Miller, Jakubas Mazionis and Taine Anderson are sidelined while Tom Taylor and Ryan Broom have missed recent assignments and are unlikely to feature.

Barrow vs Cheltenham Odds

Despite some poor recent form, Barrow are even-money favourites, while Cheltenham are 11/4 for victory on the road. The draw, the outcome in three of the Cumbrians last four matches, is available at 12/5.

Five of the six previous meetings between this pair have gone over 2.5 goals and that is on offer at 11/10, with both teams to score a 5/6 chance. The net has bulged at both ends in five of Barrow’s last seven matches.

Double Chance - draw or Cheltenham @ 4/5

These sides are separated in League Two by only goal difference, with Barrow 18th and Cheltenham in 19th, but it is the visitors who have shown the most encouraging signs of late.

The Robins have lost 11 of their 20 league games but they suffered defeat in their opening five fixtures of the season and they make the long trip north having lost only three of their last 12 outings in all competitions.

Cheltenham recorded a shock 1-0 win at third-placed Swindon on their last away trip and they should have little to fear against a Barrow side that are winless in seven.

The Bluebirds have lost to nil in their last two home league outings against Cambridge and Tranmere and they could be in for a tough time against a well-oiled Cheltenham, who have kept five clean sheets in their last 11 games.

Isaac Hutchinson first goalscorer @ 9/1

Isaac Hutchinson has impressed since arriving at Cheltenham on loan from Bristol Rovers, scoring four goals in 12 league starts and also being on target three times in just two FA Cup appearances.

In what may prove a tight encounter, Hutchinson’s quality from midfield could be what is required to break the deadlock and he has opened the scoring on three occasions for the Robins this season.

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