- Barrow have won their last 5 games in a row, including three in a row (3-0, 2-1, 2-1).
- Gloucester have won 3 and lost 1 of their 4 away games in all competitions this season, scoring an average of 2.75 goals per away game.
- Gloucester City have no recent senior H2H record against Barrow FC.
Bluebirds are flying high
Adam Murray has made an immediate impact at Barrow, getting his side to fly out of the traps at speed and intensity, with an organised, physical front three playing off a solid 4-3-3 platform. The Bluebirds are in the habit of pressing their opposition high up the pitch and have a terrific tempo about them on the ball.
The Bluebirds have won 5 straight, scoring 11 goals, with Rekeem Harper being their top threat with 5 goals in that time. The hosts are also 6-2-2 in their last 10 across all competitions (W6, D2, L2), so they'll be full of confidence as they come into this one. Barrow have won 4 and lost 1 of their 5 home games in all competitions, scoring 2.00 goals per home game and conceding just 0.60 goals.
Tigers are a tough, compact unit
Gloucester are also 5 games unbeaten (W3, D2), but their form looks a little more patchy. In their most recent 3 games, they have ground out some typically cup-like performances, beating Mulbarton Wanderers 2-1 away from home and Hanworth Villa 3-1 on the road before playing out a 0-0 draw at home to Taunton Town.
The Tigers are a little more compact, energetic and direct than Barrow, and they play in a compact shape that makes them difficult to play against. However, if Barrow win the physical battles early on and dominate the middle third, then Gloucester's style should suit them, as they'll get the territory they need to open things up.
Barrow can win at both ends
Gloucester City have done well to score 2.75 goals on average away from home this season, but I think Barrow are a level above them in all departments. The Tigers can stay competitive for periods, but Barrow are sharper, better defensively, and their attack is in full flow right now. The hosts are a 39/100 favourite with the bookies and I simply can't look past that, so I'm going for a home win.
