Barnet vs Bristol Rovers Predictions

Barnet may have lost each of their last two games in the National League, but they were in fine form prior to that, while the visitors haven’t exactly been flying this season. Despite hailing from a lower division, with a home crowd behind them, John Still’s men will fancy themselves to compete when they welcome Bristol Rovers to The Hive on Sunday afternoon.

Since being relegated from League Two at the end of last season, Barnet haven’t done to badly, though they’ve not exactly performed like a team that is likely to bounce straight back into the Football League. At times, John Still’s side have looked useful, but some of their efforts against the better teams in the National League suggest that they could struggle against League One opposition.

Barnet’s recent showing against a Salford side that may just prove to be too good for the National League a few weeks ago suggests that if Bristol Rovers are near their best, then the hosts have little chance. On that occasion, the Bees were clearly second best, they conceded three goals and surrendered an almighty 4.11 expected goals. What’s more, defensive frailties once again came to fore when they lost 2-0 to Maidstone in their most recent home match, conceding twice and giving up 2.02 expected goals in the process. Such stats should leave the visitors feeling confident.

It’s not been a vintage season for Bristol Rovers, who’ve struggled massively to hit the back of the net in League One. However, Darrell Clarke’s men come here off the back of a confidence-boosting away win against a very decent Blackpool side last weekend, while they also acquitted themselves well when losing by just a goal to nil against arguably the best side in League One in their previous away match.

For a while, Rovers, who’ve not given an awful lot away on their travels and who have generally created a few chances per match, had been struggling to find the net, though after both creating plenty and netting three against a good side last weekend, Sunday’s visitors should back themselves to thrive against a National League defence that has looked weak in recent times.

At the prices, backing ‘Bristol Rovers to Score Over 1.5 Goals’ appeals. Having banished their scoring woes to score three in their last match in League One, which was away from home, the visitors are backed to get the better of a Barnet team that have given up five goals and 6.13 expected goals in their last two home matches.