Separated by just one point and one place in the League Two standings, Cheltenham Town and Barrow go head-to-head at Whaddon Road on Saturday in a battle of the playoff outsiders.
The hosts sit 17th with 38 points, while the visitors are 18th with 37, having played one game more, making a win here important to the playoff hopes of both sides.
Match preview
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Cheltenham's recent resurgence hit a stumbling block last Saturday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Fleetwood Town, ending a three-match unbeaten streak and denting their playoff hopes.
Impressive wins over playoff contenders Salford City and Chesterfield, along with a goalless draw at Accrington Stanley, had raised optimism for a potential top-seven push – however, the latest setback leaves Michael Flynn's side trailing the playoff spots by 10 points.
With a game or two in hand over some of the teams above them, the Robins still have an outside chance of mounting a late charge, but failure to bounce back this weekend could extinguish those hopes.
A win for either side could see them break into the top half, and Cheltenham will take confidence from their strong home form, having won four of their last five league outings at Whaddon Road.
However, history is not on their side—Cheltenham have lost all three Football League encounters against the visitors, a record they will be wary of.
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Meanwhile, the visitors arrive with renewed confidence following a recent upturn in form under new head coach Andy Whing.
Since taking charge on January 20, Whing has led Barrow to three wins in five League Two matches, with two defeats in that period.
A hard-fought 2-1 victory over MK Dons in midweek secured back-to-back wins for the Bluebirds, who will now aim to make it three on the bounce for the first time this season.
However, Barrow's away form remains a major concern – they are winless in their last 13 away matches across all competitions—including 11 in League Two—recording just three draws and eight defeats.
Team News
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Cheltenham will once again be without Ryan Haynes due to injury, while midfielder Tommy Backwell faces around two months on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
Top scorer George Miller, who has six goals in League Two this season, is expected to lead the attack once more.
Barrow boss Whing is likely to stick with the same side that overcame MK Dons, as momentum continues to build.
New signing Ben Whitfield, who rejoined the club on loan from Burton Albion for the remainder of the season, could feature in midfield.
Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Day; Jude-Boyd, Stubbs, Bradbury, Adedokun; Kinsella, Young; Thomas, Archer, Dulson; Miller
Barrow possible starting lineup:
Farman; Foley, Canavan, Cameron, Jackson; Newby, Williams, Campbell; Spence, Whitfield; Pressley
We say: Cheltenham Town 2-1 Barrow
Cheltenham's strong home form gives them the edge, but Barrow's recent momentum under Andy Whing makes this a tight contest - however, the visitors' poor away record remains a concern, and Cheltenham will likely capitalise to extend their impressive Whaddon Road streak.
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