After both sides began the 2023-24 League Two season with a victory, Barrow welcome Sutton United to Holker Street on Saturday for matchday two of the campaign.

The Bluebirds managed to beat Tranmere Rovers last time out, while the U's enjoyed a comprehensive victory over Notts County.

Match preview

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Barrow took significant strides in Pete Wild's first season in charge last term, finishing in ninth place, having only just managed to avoid relegation in the previous year, but they did not have a very strong end to the season.

However, the Bluebirds enjoyed a strong pre-season campaign, winning five of their seven matches, and they started their domestic campaign in a similar vein, beating Tranmere Rovers 2-1 away from home on the opening day of the new season last weekend.

A freak goal from Niall Canavan and a wonder strike from Kian Spence were the difference as Wild's side got off to the ideal start in treacherous conditions on Merseyside.

However, Barrow were unable to follow that victory up in the EFL Cup against Bolton Wanderers, with Zac Ashworth scoring his first senior goal to send Ian Evatt's side into the second round of the competition.

Barrow had a very respectable home record last season, amassing 39 points from 23 matches at Holker Street – only five teams had a better home record in the entire division.

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As for Sutton United, they could not have wished for a better start to a new season, thumping five goals past Notts County on their return to the English Football League.

Joe Kizzi put the hosts ahead after two minutes, before Magpies goalkeeper Aidan Stone was dismissed after a quarter of an hour to make matters worse for County.

Omari Patrick marked his competitive debut for the club with a superb brace before Harry Beautyman got in on the act, while Harry Smith also opened his account for the season 12 minutes from time.

The U's also reached the second round of the EFL Cup for the first time on Tuesday evening, after beating League One Cambridge United 6-5 on penalties after the game had finished 2-2.

Matt Gray's side twice came from behind in 90 minutes to force the shootout, and the Yellows managed to hold their nerve to make their second-round debut.

Team News

Pete Wild made changes to his side in midweek for the clash against Bolton Wanderers, handing full competitive debuts to Courtney Duffus and Junior Tiensia, so he may decide to revert to the starting XI that picked up all three points against Tranmere last weekend.

That would see Paul Farman start between the sticks, ahead of a three-man defence consisting of Niall Canavan, George Ray and Rory Feely.

Emile Acquah looks set to partner Gerard Garner in attack, while Kian Spence will retain his place in midfield after his winning strike against Tranmere.

As for the visitors, Matt Gray may also opt for consistency and stick with the starting XI that won so emphatically last Saturday.

Harry Smith will partner Scott Kashket in attack, while Joe Kizzi will retain his place at full-back after his brace against Notts County.

Harry Beautyman has scored two goals in his last two appearances across all competitions for Sutton United, so he looks set to keep his place in the engine room.

Barrow possible starting lineup:
Farman; Canavan, Ray, Feely; Newby, Campbell, White, Spence, Worrall; Garner, Acquah

Sutton United possible starting lineup:
Rose; Kizzi, Sowunmi, Goodliffe, Milsom; Coley, Beautyman, Eastmond, Patrick; Smith, Kashket

We say: Barrow 1-0 Sutton United

Based on last season's standings, the two teams should be evenly-matched as only four points separated them in the table.

However, Sutton only managed to win four games away from home last season, and combined with Barrow's impressive home form last term, we are inclined to side with a narrow home victory.


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