Take a look at everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's big game at The Progression Solicitors Stadium.
Barrow v Scunthorpe United
Saturday 16th January 2021, 3pm
The Progression Solicitors Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Scunthorpe United are still looking to fully recover from a slow start to the new season and arrive in Cumbria this weekend sitting just one place and three points above Barrow in the League Two table.
The Iron turned to one of their own during the summer when Scunthorpe-born Neil Cox returned to the club where he came through the ranks to take charge following the departure of Paul Hurst.
However, they managed just one win and were beaten six times in their first eight league outings of 2020/21 before picking up some improved form in the middle of November.
Wins at Oldham Athletic and Port Vale were backed up by an eye-catching 5-2 triumph at Harrogate Town at the beginning of December as they began to climb the table.
However, they have now lost four of their last five matches ahead of the weekend – the latest an agonising defeat at home to Salford City on Tuesday night when the visitors grabbed a late winner.
One To Watch
Abo Eisa was on target with a well taken goal when Scunthorpe United ran out 2-1 winners over Barrow at Sands Venue Stadium last month.
The 25-year-old has been with The Iron since August 2019 when they paid Shrewsbury Town an undisclosed fee to secure the services of the talented attacker.
Eisa has hit the net four times in the National League so far this season – more than any other Scunthorpe player – so will need to be closely watched by Barrow’s backline this weekend.
Head To Head
This Saturday’s game will be the 24th competitive meeting between the two sides and it’s Scunthorpe who have the edge historically having won 13 times in comparison to Barrow’s six wins.
Prior to the game at Sands Venue Stadium just before Christmas, you had to go back to the 1971/72 campaign for the last time Barrow and Scunthorpe shared a pitch.
The Iron have won five of the last six meetings between the sides, with The Bluebirds’ last victory coming back in May 1968 when they triumphed 2-1 on home soil thanks to goals from Dave Storf and Bobby Knox.
Referee
James Adcock will referee his first Barrow game in almost a decade when he’s the man in the middle for Saturday’s encounter with Scunthorpe United.
You have to go back to a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Rotherham United on home soil in November 2011 for Adcock’s last appointment at The Progression Solicitors Stadium.
The experienced official has overseen 11 fixtures so far this term, his most recent outing coming at The Sixfields Stadium when Northampton Town defeated Fleetwood Town 1-0 at the beginning of December.
Betting
Barrow have been made 11/10 favourites for three points this weekend, with Scunthorpe United rated a 23/10 shot for victory and the draw also priced up at 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 minute of the game against Scunthorpe United.
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 all the action as it unfolds.
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.