Barrow v Carlisle United: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Carlisle United are five points from safety but are fancied to cut the gap by winning away to fellow strugglers Barrow in a high-stakes Cumbrian derby.

A second successive relegation is a distinct possibility for Carlisle United, who are propping up the table with five victories from 32 league fixtures.

They are winless in six games and four of those have been under vastly experienced manager Mark Hughes, who was appointed earlier this month.

Barrow are 14 points better off but need to be careful after slipping from 12th to 18th since the start of December.

The Bluebirds have lost six of their last nine matches, including Saturday’s 3-0 reverse at Crewe which was their joint-heaviest defeat of the league campaign.

Barrow v Carlisle United betting tips and predictions

Carlisle draw no bet - 13/8

Basement boys Carlisle United are winless in six but they can give their survival chances a massive boost by defeating rivals Barrow at Holker Street.

As one of the division’s better resourced clubs, Carlisle had hoped to mount a challenge for promotion.

However, they have mustered just 23 points from 32 games and are onto their third manager, Mark Hughes, after parting ways with Paul Simpson and Mike Williamson.

There are 14 games remaining and that might afford just enough for time for Hughes to steer his charges to safety.

Hughes is off to a slow start in terms of results with two losses and two draws but performance levels are rising.

Carlisle have won the shot count in each of their last three matches and felt short-changed after Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Gillingham after they were denied by an outstanding save from opposition keeper Glenn Morris.

With better finishing they could have gathered nine points from their last three matches and be in a much more comfortable position.

However, Hughes has been rightly encouraged by what he has seen and the trip to Barrow offers a great chance to deliver a precious victory.

Barrow are highly likely to preserve fourth tier status but they have failed to build on a flying start to the season.

After taking 16 points from seven games the Bluebirds were proudly sat at the top of the standings.

However, they won only five of the next 25 league fixtures and were especially poor at the weekend when losing 3-0 at injury-hit Crewe.

Barrow manager Andy Whing will be looking for a response from his players after accusing them of giving up in the last ten to 15 minutes.

However, they will be facing a determined Carlisle, who defeated them 1-0 in the reverse fixture and look overpriced at 13/8 on the draw no bet market.

Kadeem Harris to score any time - 10/3

Carlisle have lacked offensive quality for large parts of the season but there have been flashes of quality from winger Kadeem Harris, who has contributed two goals in his 16 league appearances.

Harris was one of their better players in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Gillingham and looks as likely as anyone to produce a match-winning moment.

Kian Spence to be carded - 10/3

Barrow are expected to make a few changes after their 3-0 loss at Crewe and that may include a recall to the starting line up for Kian Spence, who has been among their most consistent players.

Spence likes to put himself about and is joint-top of the League Two foul count with 56.

The 24-year-old will not shy away from the physical side of a derby and looks a tempting 10/3 shot to collect a caution.

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Barrow v Carlisle United odds

Barrow - Evs
Draw - 12/5
Carlisle United - 13/5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.