PETE Wild is expecting a 'real physical contest' against Karl Robinson's resurgent Salford City. 

The Bluebirds travel to the Penninsula Stadium to take on Robinson's Ammies off the back of their first back-to-back League Two defeats of the 2023/24 season against AFC Wimbledon and Forest Green Rovers. 

Despite these results, Barrow are still fifth on the league table, with six points separating them from eighth-placed Harrogate Town.

The Bluebirds' latest opponents are currently in 19th but have enjoyed a seven-match unbeaten streak which began with the appointment of Karl Robinson in the new year.

Ahead of the clash, Wild detailed what he is expecting from the Greater Manchester-based outfit.

He said: "It is going to be a real physical contest, a real contest where it will be around first and second contacts and around making sure we win the physical battle against them.

"They are very good at set pieces as well with Matt Smith leading the team so we know exactly what is to come and exactly the type of game we will be looking for.

"First and foremost we have got to go and match their physicality."

Wild also discussed the specific nuances that effect League Two games at this time of year and challenged his side to be the 'best version' of themselves at the Penninsula Stadium.

He said: "You get to this time of year and teams have changed managers and they are having a late surge or teams are playing with more freedom because they know they have nothing to play for.

"You have got all of that in the mix, teams are fighting for their lives, we saw that on Tuesday night so again I have said it for two years since I have been here, league tables at this time of year don't mean anything.

"It's about getting points on the board and giving every game the respect it deserves and making sure that we are the best version of us on the day to make sure we get the result."