Barrow vs Cheltenham Town prediction 19.12.2025 | League Two

Barrow’s recent weeks have tested the patience of their supporters. Andy Whing’s side have now gone seven games without a win, a run that includes four draws and three defeats, and none of them felt especially unlucky.

The Bluebirds shipped at least twice in every one of those matches, often unraveling late after decent first halves. Coming into Friday off the back of a 2-2 draw after trailing by two goals at half time, confidence feels back in the mix.

Josh Gordon remains the focal point in attack, even if four goals does not exactly scream form. Lewis Shipley, with three goals from the back, has quietly been one of Barrow’s more reliable threats at set pieces.

Defensively, Whing will again have to shuffle. Niall Canavan serves the final game of his suspension, while Rhys Healey’s knee issue keeps him sidelined.

Cheltenham arrive in Cumbria with a steadier feel about them, even if everything is not quite clicking yet. Steve Cotterill’s side have lost just once in their last five games, picking up three wins along the way and even managing a couple of clean sheets.

That alone marks progress for a team that looked stretched earlier in the season. However, the defensive picture still feels slightly uneasy. Only two clean sheets in the last seven matches tells you that control can slip if pressure builds.

Away from home, Cheltenham have not been entirely convincing either. Two defeats in their last three road games suggest this trip will not be comfortable.

Isaac Hutchinson, with seven goals in all competitions, has been the main spark, often drifting into pockets where defenders lose track of him. He should again lead the line, supported by Martin and Thomas, who between them have chipped in with seven goals.