Will 3 at the back work?
We might not see it today, but the three-man defence we’ve unveiled in our pre-season friendlies is a departure for Bryan Hughes. Clearly it’s intended to address our lack of attacking verve in recent seasons, allowing us to get more men forwards, and he’s recruited players to suit that system. But we looked very open when we switched to 3-4-3 against Crewe. Will it work?
How will the new signings shape up?
We need more punch in attack – have we brought in the players to address that? JJ Hooper looks like a good leader of the line, Mark Harris has shown flashes of intelligence and technique, and Leighton McIntosh has a directness which might discomfort centre backs. Behind them, Devonte Redmond’s brief is clearly to be a creator, although his pre-season injury might mean he won’t quite be up to speed today.
Can we finally beat Barrow?
If we don’t win today Barrow will secure their longest ever unbeaten run against us – 8 matches. That would beat the 7 games without a win which we suffered against them when we first dropped down to the National League. Just what is it with these guys?
Will last season’s nightmare be forgotten?
Last season’s 3-1 home defeat to Barrow was, by some distance, our worst performance of the season. There are plenty of players on both sides who played that night – will Barrow’s players be relishing a chance to do it again, and will ours be scarred by the experience?
Can we stop Scott Quigley?
He looked guilty about it, but ex-Wrexham striker Quigley’s goal for Halifax on Easter Monday essentially halted our outside chance of competing for the title. He scored it by running the channel, which could be wide open if we play three at the back. Can we repel him this time?
DragonHeart 