Southend vs Barrow prediction

So far in the National League, Southend have won eight, drawn five and lost three of 16, with 38 goals scored and 27 conceded, good for 3rd place and 29 points.

Over the last six matches it has been three wins, two draws and one defeat, averaging 2.7 goals for and 1.7 against. Last time out they beat Gateshead 6-1 away; before that came a 3-1 win at home to Tamworth and a 2-2 draw away at Carlisle.

Southend are unbeaten in five. The defence is a worry: they have conceded in each of their last six. At home they've won two of three recently (7 scored, 6 conceded).

Barrow have won seven, drawn four and lost four of their 15 National League games so far, scoring 26 and letting in 19. That has them 9th on 25 points.

Their last six in all competitions read two wins, two draws and two defeats, at 1.3 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game. Last time out they beat Aldershot 1-0 at home; before that came a 1-0 defeat away at Hull and a 2-2 draw away at Worthing.

Two clean sheets in that spell. On the road they've won none of three recently (3 scored, 4 conceded).

Home and away form points to Southend: Southend have won two of their last three at home, Barrow none of their last three on the road. Four points separate the two sides in the table. Southend also have the better goal difference over recent weeks.

We make Southend clear favourites at 67%, with Barrow on 14% and the draw at 19%.

On goals, it expects around 3.1 in the game: 2.2 for Southend and 0.9 for Barrow. Over 2.5 goals is 61% and both teams scoring 54%. When they last met, on 1 May 2021, Southend won 2-1.