Colchester United vs Barrow AFC: Predictions, Lineups & Odds (03/05)

Colchester United must win in order to have any chance of scraping their way into the League Two playoffs when they welcome Barrow to Essex.

Our Three Predictions For Colchester United vs Barrow AFC

- - - Prediction 1 – Jack Payne To Score – 13/5

- - - Prediction 2 – Over 2.5 Goals Scored – 13/10

- - - Prediction 3 – Barrow AFC To Win – 16/5

First Prediction For Colchester United vs Barrow AFC – Jack Payne To Score – 13/5

With Lyle Taylor out of action, Colchester have lost their main goal source. Whilst Samson Tovide is certainly a goal threat, the U’s danger will come from Jack Payne. The quintessential Cowley brothers player, he has contributed to 18 goals across the League Two season, including six across his last 10 matches. He was given a rest during the final stages of their last match against Salford City, so can certainly go the distance as their playoff hopes go down to the wire.

Second Prediction For Colchester United vs Barrow AFC – Over 2.5 Goals Scored – 13/10

Neither side have been particularly strong defensively across the season, with Colchester letting in seven goals across their last two games alone. Barrow, however, come into this game with four clean sheets out of their last five, the only blip coming in their last match against Bromley. Both teams have averaged conceding over a goal a game, and are level with 52 goals scored across the season. Colchester still being in contention going into the final day may require more attacking prowess from the home side, which may open up chances for Barrow, who have scored five in their last eight.

Third Prediction For Colchester United vs Barrow AFC – Barrow AFC To Win – 16/5

Andy Whing’s side have been in the top third of the table for points gained across their last five, and have lost just once in their last 12 games to Chesterfield. With Colchester’s season coming undone from losses to already-promoted Doncaster Rovers and Salford, they are facing arguably one of the worst possible opponents at this time and it may be the final nail in the coffin of their season. United being without Lyle Taylor will be a big blow and The Bluebirds have Aaron Pressley, Ben Whitfield and Emile Acquah at their disposal to create chances.

Best Odds For Colchester United vs Barrow AFC

Bookmaker	Colchester United	Draw	Barrow AFC
Betarno	8/11	9/4	16/5
Gentleman Jim	3/4	12/5	10/3
Myriadplay	33/50	13/10	16/5

Full Preview Of The Game: Last Results And Head-To-Head

Colchester United’s fate hangs by the thinnest of threads heading into League Two’s final day. Losses to Doncaster and Salford have knocked The U’s down into 10th place, and two points off the playoffs. In order for them to regain a top-seven place, they must win and have to see three results go in their favour. Cowley’s side require Salford to lose or draw to already-relegated Carlisle United and with the latter, Colchester require a six-goal swing in their favour. Grimsby Town have to avoid a victory in their crunch match to AFC Wimbledon, and the same is true of Chesterfield, who head to Accrington Stanley.

Barrow’s season is over as they have nothing left to play for except position in the League Two table. With just one loss in their last 12 matches, Andy Whing’s side have looked up since March, with impressive results against Port Vale, Notts County and Wimbledon. Their four-match cleen sheet streak was broken in their last match against Bromley, which ended 3-3 with a late Ravens goal denying them all three points. They could finish as high as 13th by full time on Saturday, and look set to finish at least 16th barring a miracle result for Gillingham against title challengers Port Vale.

These two sides have played nine times previously in League Two since The Bluebirds’ asension into the EFL, and it is the Cumbrian side who hold the bragging rights in this fixture. Colchester have won just once in those fixtures, back in 2021, meaning that Barrow have six fixtures unbeaten against their opponents, including four wins. It was a draw at Holker Street earlier in the season, with a last-minute Lyle Taylor goal rescuing The U’s against Stephen Clemence’s men.

Confrontation

Where To Watch Colchester United vs Barrow AFC

Where can I watch the game, either on TV or in person?

- - - Location: Colchester Community Stadium, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5UP

- - - Date: May 3rd, 2025

This game is available to watch in the UK on Sky Sports+, with kick-off at 3 pm.

Probable Lineups For Colchester United vs Barrow AFC

What sort of lineup can we expect from this important EFL League Two clash?

Predicted Colchester United Lineup

- - - Lineup: Macey; Egbo, Kelleher, Flanagan, Iandolo; Bishop, Read; Thorn, Payne, Gordon; Tovide

- - - Injured/Suspended: Taylor

- - - Manager: Danny Cowley

Predicted Barrow AFC Lineup

- - - Lineup: Stanway; Williams, Canavan, Cameron; Whitfield, Foles, Gotts, Jackson; Mahoney, Acquah, Pressley

- - - Injured/Suspended: Barnes

- - - Manager: Andy Whing