Football VAVEL

Barrow vs Grimsby Town preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

Holker Street hosts a relegation battle on Tuesday night as Barrow face Grimsby Town.

Barrow vs Grimsby Town preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch
Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
tom-horner
By Tom Horner

Barrow will be looking to continue their impressive recent form as they host fellow relegation contenders Grimsby Town.

The Bluebirds have won their previous four games to pull seven points clear from the relegation zone with two games in hand on 23rd-placed Southend United. Last time out, Barrow recorded a 3-2 win at home to Crawley Town, with Chris Taylor scoring the winner in the 96th minute.

Having picked up almost a third of their overall season points total in the last four games, it is clear that Barrow have hit form at the perfect time as we head into the business end of the season. 

Despite the fact that Grimsby have not picked up a victory in any of their last seven games, they have managed to find some consistency and have recorded four draws in succession.

However, considering the current situation The Mariners have found themselves in, draws are not enough. Grimsby need to start winning matches if they are to stand any chance of playing League Two football next season.

A spectacular George Williams free-kick in the 91st minute earned the Cleethorpes-based side a point on Saturday away at Mansfield Town. This shows a certain team spirit that has been questioned throughout the season in the Grimsby squad; something that is compulsory should they wish to pull off a great escape.

Team news

Rob Kelly could bring Chris Taylor and Tom Beadling into the starting line-up after the duo made a big impact off the bench against Crawley at the weekend. Mika Jones remains a long term absentee for Barrow.

Paul Hurst may also turn to his recent impact substitutes by bringing George Williams and Luke Spokes into the team in place of Giles Coke and Julien Lamy. Ira Jackson Jr is likely to keep his place in the starting line up after an impressive performance back in the side on Saturday. Grimsby currently have no known injuries or suspensions.

Predicted lineups

Barrow (3-5-2):

Dixon; Jones, Davies, Thomas; Eardley, C.Taylor, J.Taylor, Bealing, Brough; Quigley, James.

Grimsby (4-4-2):

McKeown, Hendrie, Hewitt, Menayese, Clifton; Adams, Matete, Spokes, Williams; Jackson, John-Lewis.

Ones to watch

Scott Quigley has been the main provider of goals for Barrow this season, with the striker scoring nine goals in 25 appearances. Standing at six foot four inches tall, the 28-year-old is a real aerial threat from crosses, set pieces and long balls. The former Blackpool forward emphatically smashed a penalty into the roof of the net last time out against Crawley and will be looking to take his goal tally to double figures on Tuesday night.

George Williams won the man of the match award for Grimsby at the weekend as he bagged a goal and an assist in their 2-2 away draw. The Welsh attacking midfielder has been predominantly used as a substitute this season and has only been handed nine league starts. However, recent impressive performances mean he will likely be handed more of a first-team role for the remainder of the season. 

Previous meetings

This season is the first time these two sides have met since Grimsby were in the National League in 2015. Barrow's trip to Blundell Park back in November saw a 1-0 home win for Grimsby, as Montel Gibson fired home a close-range finish in the 60th minute. Barrow have not won a competitive game against Grimsby in their last 14 attempts; a record dating back to 1968.

How to watch

Kick-off is at 19:00 BST on Tuesday March 23 and is available on both clubs' iFollow streaming service for a fee of £10.