The Carabao Cup kicks off its first round with an exciting Cumbrian derby as League Two side Barrow hosts Championship team Preston North End at the SO Legal Stadium. For Barrow, this match represents a golden opportunity to cause a major cup upset and ignite their season after a difficult start. Under the management of Andy Whing, the Bluebirds will be looking to their home advantage and fighting spirit to overcome the higher-tier opposition. For Preston North End, this is a chance to build on their recent form and secure a comfortable passage into the next round. Manager Paul Heckingbottom’s side will be looking to their superior squad depth and quality to get the job done, but they will be wary of the potential for a classic cup shock.
Barrow has struggled to find form in their opening league matches, but the Carabao Cup offers a fresh start. They will be looking to key players like forward Kane Hemmings and midfielder Regan Booty to make an impact. The team’s recent signings, including striker Tyler Walker, will also be hoping to make their mark. Preston North End has also had a mixed start to the season, with a winless streak in their last five competitive matches. However, they boast a number of key players, including forward Daniel Jebbison and midfielder Alfie Devine, who will be looking to capitalize on any defensive errors from Barrow. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with Barrow likely to adopt a more defensive approach and Preston North End expected to dominate possession.
Match Details
Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
Location: Barrow-in-Furness, England
Stadium: SO Legal Stadium
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM BST / 8:30 PM CEST
Referee: Craig Hicks
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
In their limited competitive history, Preston North End has a slight edge over Barrow. Their last direct encounter was a 2-0 victory for Preston in a pre-season friendly, but the stakes are much higher in this Carabao Cup tie. Barrow’s recent form has been a concern, with no wins in their last five matches. They have struggled defensively and offensively, which will be a significant factor against a more experienced Preston side. Preston North End’s recent performances have also been mixed, with a number of draws and losses. However, their superior league experience gives them a psychological advantage going into this match. Both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to turn their seasons around.
Barrow:
Barrow enters this match with the pressure of a difficult start to the season. The team will be looking to its key players to deliver a performance worthy of their home crowd. Manager Andy Whing is expected to use a disciplined and organized formation, prioritizing defensive stability while looking for opportunities on the counter-attack. The team’s recent signings, including Tom Barkhuizen, will be looked upon to add a new dimension to their play. The home side will need to be resilient and disciplined to have any chance of causing an upset against their higher-division opponents.
August 9, 2025: Barrow 0–2 MK Dons (League Two)
August 2, 2025: Chesterfield 1–0 Barrow (League Two)
July 26, 2025: Barrow 1–0 Rochdale (Friendly)
Preston North End:
Preston North End will be looking to this match to build some much-needed momentum after a run of winless results. The team has made a number of new signings, including goalkeeper Daniel Iversen and forward Michael Smith, who will be looking to make their mark. Manager Paul Heckingbottom will likely field a strong and disciplined side, aiming to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. The team’s attack, led by Daniel Jebbison, will be looking to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities from Barrow. Preston’s superior quality and experience should see them through this match, but they cannot afford to be complacent.
August 9, 2025: QPR 1–1 Preston North End (Championship)
July 26, 2025: Bolton 2–0 Preston North End (Friendly)
July 18, 2025: Getafe 0–0 Preston North End (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Preston North End is expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their creative midfielders and attacking forwards to create scoring opportunities. The key matchup will be between Preston’s attack and Barrow’s defense. For Barrow, the strategy will be more pragmatic, with a focus on staying compact and frustrating their opponents. They will look to the pace of their wingers to launch quick counter-attacks. The match will be a test of Barrow’s resilience against Preston’s quality. While an upset is always possible in a cup tie, Preston North End’s superior individual talent should ultimately be the deciding factor.
How to Watch Barrow vs. Preston North End on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited KingdomSky Sports Football, Sky Sports+United StatesESPN+CanadaDAZN CanadaAustraliabeIN Sports
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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