We take a look at everything you need to know as Barrow prepare for this weekend's Battle of the Bay at The Progression Solicitors Stadium.
Barrow v Morecambe
Saturday 20th February 2021, 3pm
The Progression Solicitors Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Morecambe are looking to get back to their very best in the closing months of the campaign after enjoying an excellent first half to 2020/21.
The Shrimps sit outside the play-offs on goal difference alone ahead of the weekend fixture and look well on course for a top half finish for the first time since 2014/15.
Indeed, Derek Adams will be hoping for much more than simply a top 12 finish – his eyes are firmly fixed on at least the top seven as he looks to win promotion from this division for a second time.
Adams’ men enjoyed a fantastic Christmas period during which they won four in a row but, since losing 4-0 at Chelsea in the FA Cup at the turn of the year, they have managed just two victories in eight league fixtures.
One To Watch
Carlos Mendes Gomes is Morecambe’s top scorer so far this season having netted eight times in League Two so far, including the winner when Barrow visited The Mazuma Stadium in December.
The Spanish forward won a deal with The Shrimps on the back of a successful trial back in 2018 but this has been his real breakthrough campaign as he began to get among the goals.
He hit a particularly lethal spell through December when Morecambe were at their best and he will be hoping to hit that kind of form again in the coming months to propel his team in to the play-offs.
Head To Head
Barrow boast the better record in meetings between the two clubs having tasted victory 25 times in comparison to The Shrimps’ 14 successes in the fixture.
The last three encounters have all gone with home advantage during a rivalry which spans 51 competitive meetings over the years.
Referee
Thomas Bramall was on the whistle when these sides met at The Mazuma Stadium back in December and has also been chosen to oversee this weekend’s return fixture.
Now into his third season as an EFL official, Bramall has presided over 22 fixtures across all competitions so far this season.
His most recent outing was last weekend when he was in charge for Plymouth Argyle’s 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town in League One at Home Park.
Betting
The bookies are struggling to split the two teams but have Morecambe as slight favourites at 6/4, while Barrow are just behind at 13/8 and the draw is available at odds of 23/10.
Click here now to take a look at Sky Bet’s range of odds on Saturday’s action.
Live Streaming
Match Passes to watch Saturday’s game live on iFollow Barrow are now available so that you can enjoy every second of the action as we go head-to-head with rivals Morecambe.
Season Ticket holders are still able to enjoy complimentary access to home games and your iFollow accounts should now have been upgraded.
Click here now to buy your Match Pass for Saturday.
Live Commentary
We will also provide an audio commentary of Saturday’s game when we link up with BBC Radio Cumbria who will describe every kick from our clash with The Shrimps.
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.