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Barrow v Doncaster Rovers: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Automatic promotion has always been the objective for Doncaster Rovers, who fell at the penultimate hurdle in the 2023-24 League Two campaign with a penalty shootout loss to Crewe Alexandra in the play-off semi-finals.

Grant McCann’s side have had their ups and downs but approach the trip to Barrow with confidence after Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 success at home to local rivals Harrogate Town.

The Cumbrians have been on the slide in recent months but were 3-0 winners at home to Grimsby Town on Saturday in Andy Whing’s first match in the dugout.

Whing has been given his taste of EFL management having caught the eye with positive spells in charge of Banbury and Solihull Moors.

Barrow v Doncaster Rovers

Barrow v Doncaster Rovers betting tips and predictions

Doncaster to win - 29/20

Rovers had some mixed results over the festive period, but have taken nine points from a possible 12 in January and should have a bit too much quality for Barrow on the Cumbrian coast.

Donny were fast finishers in last season’s fourth tier, piling up 43 points from their final 18 games.

They won’t need to be anywhere near as relentless over the next three months, but the recent signs have been positive for McCann’s side, who have ground out successive 1-0 wins away to Gillingham and at home to Harrogate.

Another tight match could be in store against Barrow, who are responding well to their new manager.

Barrow opted for a change of leadership after winning only one of their final 15 league games under Whing’s predecessor, Stephen Clemence, and they delivered instant improvement at the weekend with a superb 3-0 success over play-off hopefuls Grimsby.

Given the damage already done it is difficult to see Barrow getting themselves back into the promotion picture, but they should at least be harder to play against under their new manager, who favours a physical, direct style of football.

Barrow’s approach seemed to take Town by surprise, but it will be less of a shock to Doncaster, who have shown they are capable of adapting to various styles of play.

Rovers came up against similar tactics recently when they faced a Gills side playing their first match under John Coleman and, after weathering an early storm, ran out worthy winners.

They will be looking to do something similar against the Bluebirds and are overpriced 29/20 shots to grab another three points.

Billy Sharp to score anytime - 9/4

Barrow showed greater defensive discipline at the weekend and will be hoping to frustrate Doncaster by keeping their clean sheet for as long as possible.

Rovers will be up against a deep-lying defence and may find it tricky to get their quicker players into the game.

The visiting side might have to be patient, but they have the ideal player in veteran striker Billy Sharp to sniff out an opportunity.

Sharp has built a career on finding space against the tightest of defences and he looks to be the man most likely to break the hosts' resistance.

Kian Spence to be carded - 13/5

Barrow’s players worked incredibly hard against the Mariner and they will be looking to do more of the same against Doncaster, who are a higher standard of opponent.

The midfield area will be hugely competitive and Barrow’s Kian Spence is sure to be in the thick of the action.

Spence has committed 44 fouls in only 20 league appearances and looks well worth backing for a booking at 13/5.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site

Barrow v Doncaster Rovers odds

Barrow - 19/10
Draw -
21/10
Doncaster Rovers -
29/20

View the full market and more odds for Barrow v Doncaster Rovers on site

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.

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