We turn the focus on Saturday's game against Exeter City with a full and in-depth preview of The Bluebirds' League Two trip to St James' Park.
Exeter City v Barrow
Saturday 19th February 2022, 3pm
St James’ Park
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
A run of six games without a win in League Two towards the end of 2021 saw Exeter City slip out of the top seven and left fans feeling a little deflated.
However, the reaction from Matt Taylor’s men since the turn of the year has been nothing short of astonishing and they come into Saturday’s tussle with The Bluebirds in top form.
City have won six of their last seven outings now, including eye-catching triumphs at Swindon Town and Bradford City, and they have climbed right back into the automatic promotion spots as a result.
Tuesday night’s last-gasp win over Harrogate Town underlined the spirit in The Grecians’ camp as they came roaring back from 3-1 down to snatch a 4-3 victory in injury-time.
One To Watch
Thimothee Dieng has become a huge hit with Exeter City fans since completing a move to St James’ Park during the summer following his departure from relegated Southend United.
The midfield ace has struck 10 goals in all competitions for The Grecians this term and has been a big part in their fantastic recent run which has seen them move into the top three.
Dieng has hit the net three times in the last six games, including one in midweek as they hit the comeback trail to claim a dramatic win over Harrogate Town.
Head To Head
Barrow have yet to taste defeat against Exeter City in three meetings since The Bluebirds returned to the Football League, though the last two encounters have ended all-square.
This weekend is almost 55 years to the day since Barrow’s last win in Exeter and Mark Cooper’s men will be hoping that is a positive omen for Saturday’s fixture.
Referee
Christopher Pollard will take in his first Bluebirds game of the season when he takes charge of our weekend visit to play Exeter City.
The official is now into his third season on the EFL’s list of referees and was last on the whistle for a Barrow fixture when he lost 1-0 at Southend United last January.
Pollard has overseen 20 games in all competitions this term, with his most recent appointment coming in Bristol Rovers’ midweek win over Sutton United at The Memorial Stadium.
Tickets
Bluebirds fans can buy tickets in advance by calling Exeter City’s Ticket Office by 5pm on Friday – otherwise, tickets will also be on sale on the day from The Grecian’s Away Ticket Booth.
Click here for all the information you need on tickets for Saturday’s game.
Live Streaming
We are unable to live stream games on iFollow in the UK on Saturday afternoons, though Bluebirds fans outside of the country can still access live footage on iFollow.
Click here now to visit the Exeter City Match Centre and snap up your Video Match Pass.
Live Commentary
We are providing live online audio commentary from every game this season on iFollow as we continue our broadcast partnership with BBC Radio Cumbria.
Fans will be able to listen to expert Bluebirds commentator Adam Johnson, who this Saturday will be joined by Plymouth Argyle’s Head of Academy Recruitment, Chris Beard.
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.
Click here now to subscribe to iFollow.
Betting
The bookies have installed Exeter City as 4/5 favourites for victory this weekend, with Barrow rated a 16/5 shot for three points and a draw priced up at 5/2 with our friends at Sky Bet.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of markets ahead of Saturday’s game.