Barrow will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the League Two campaign when they welcome newly-promoted Wrexham to SO Legal Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts have made a respectable start to the season despite losing last time out, while Wrexham are experiencing a hectic beginning to their time back in the Football League.

Match preview

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Following an impressive ninth-placed finish in League Two last term, Barrow are looking to challenge for an unlikely promotion in their fourth season back in the Football League.

Peter Wild's men navigated their first three fixtures of the league campaign without defeat, but a 1-0 loss at Stockport County last Saturday ended Barrow's unbeaten streak.

The Bluebirds failed to make the net ripple for the first time in the fourth tier this term at Edgeley Park, with a 66th-minute goal from Aston Villa loanee Louie Barry settling the contest.

Barrow have turned out just once at their SO Legal Stadium home in all competitions so far, beating Sutton United on August 12 courtesy of strikes from Emile Acquah and Jamie Proctor.

Saturday's hosts enjoyed a brilliant record in front of their own supporters last term, winning 12 of their 23 League Two home matches, with only promoted-duo Stevenage and Leyton Orient managing more maximums on familiar territory.

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Wrexham have been involved in some notable matches over the past year, but their sensational 5-5 draw with Swindon Town last weekend was arguably the most thrilling of the bunch.

The Red Dragons headed into added time at The Racecourse Ground two goals behind, but 92nd minute and 96th minute strikes from James Jones and Elliot Lee respectively earned the hosts a share of the spoils.

Having scored and conceded 13 goals so far in League Two, Phil Parkinson's men possess the division's most-potent attack and leakiest defence simultaneously, meaning Wrexham are currently a good watch for neutral supporters.

Last season's National League winners have only played a single game away from home so far, drawing 1-1 at The Cherry Red Records Stadium against AFC Wimbledon on August 12.

Wrexham have failed to win during their last four visits to Barrow, with their most-recent maximum at the home of the Bluebirds coming all the way back in February 2013.

Team News

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Barrow confirmed the signing of former Southampton man Sam Bellis following a successful trial period, and the striker could feature for the hosts on Saturday afternoon.

Courtney Duffus was forced off after 25 minutes in the defeat at Stockport last weekend, meaning Proctor is likely to partner Acquah in a two-man forward line for the Bluebirds.

Wrexham will be without the services of Ben Foster on the weekend, with the former Manchester United stopper announcing his retirement from football at the age of 40.

A race will now ensue to claim first-choice status in between the sticks for the Red Dragons, with Rob Lainton set to start at the SO Legal Stadium ahead of 36-year-old Mark Howard.

Barrow possible starting lineup:
Lillis; Warren, Ray, Canavan; Worrall, Foley, White, Campbell; Tiensia; Acquah, Procter

Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Lainton; Barnett, O'Connell; Tozer, Boyle, Mendy; Jones, Cannon, Lee; Bickerstaff, Palmer

We say: Barrow 1-2 Wrexham

Barrow have enjoyed a decent start to their campaign under Wild, but the visit of a lively Wrexham outfit could cause the Bluebirds significant problems.

The Red Dragons have been the entertainers of League Two so far this term, and we believe the National League champions will have enough to earn maximum points this weekend.


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