Barnet host Salford in a massive opening-day showdown between two promotion contenders as the 2026-27 Sky Bet League Two season commences.
Barnet will look to build on their eighth-placed finish of last season and challenge for promotion, whilst Salford harbour the same ambitions after they lost the play-off final to Notts County.
Team News
Barnet have no fresh injury concerns after their 2-1 Carabao Cup first-round exit at Cambridge United.
Salford will have defender, Will Aimson available after his red card in their Carabao Cup first-round exit against Shrewsbury on penalties was rescinded.
When is Kick-Off?
Barnet host Salford at The Hive on Saturday 15 August at 3pm BST, live on Sky Sports+ Red Button in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Barnet have lost their two previous EFL meetings against Salford (L2).
- Salford won 3-1 in their only previous EFL visit to Barnet in December 2025.
- Barnet have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six league matches (W5, D1).
- Salford have kept clean sheets in three of their last four regular-season league matches (W2, D2), only failing to do so in a 2-1 win at Oldham whilst their two draws were 0-0 results against Gillingham and Crawley.
Prediction
Having finished last season unbeaten in nine league matches and ran Cambridge close in their Carabao Cup exit where defensive errors cost them once in the lead, Barnet certainly do look capable of pushing on if can be more consistent and cut out the defensive mistakes this season.
Salford meanwhile were just outclassed by Notts County in scorching conditions in the play-off final so hopefully they’ve focused on their match fitness in hot temperatures, especially as the match is forecast to be played at around 26 degrees but they should still in the promotion hunt again.
Having the first round of the Carabao Cup played last weekend also would of helped Salford shake off any hangover at a competitive level, so this hopefully is a good battle and I can see a draw coming between two teams capable of going up come next May.
Prediction: Barnet 1-1 Salford