Bookmakers are leaning towards Carlisle United in today's all-Cumbrian battle at Brunton Park.

The Blues are seeking a first competitive home win since New Year's Day against a Barrow side who have not beaten Carlisle in the league since 1960.

Paul Simpson's hosts have the shorter victory odds this afternoon at a price of 7/5 (BetFred), with 5/4 offered by BetVictor and 13/10 by SkyBet.

Stephen Clemence's Bluebirds, who have won their first two games of 2024/25 whilst United have lost twice, are 2/1 with William Hill to win at Brunton Park, and 7/4 with BetVictor.

The draw is 5/2.

United skipper Charlie Wyke is the 11/2 favourite to open the scoring this afternoon.

Fellow Blues frontman Luke Armstrong is 13/2 for the opener, as is Daniel Adu-Adjei.

Jon Mellish, who scored Carlisle's first goal of the season and also hit the opener when Barrow last visited Brunton Park, is 11/1 to strike first today.

Longer shots in the United ranks include Josh Vela at 18/1, former Barrow midfielder Harrison Neal at 22/1, Aaron Hayden at 28/1, Ben Williams at 40/1 and Ben Barclay - who got the winner in the clubs' last meeting at Holker Street - 28/1.

For Barrow, Emile Acquah, Dom Telford, Ged Garner and Andrew Dallas are all 15/2 to hit the first goal.

Summer signing Connor Mahoney is 14/1 with Dean Campbell 20/1, Kian Spence 14/1 and opening-day matchwinner Theo Vassell 50/1.

Carlisle's last home clash with the Bluebirds brought a memorable 5-1 United win and if you're feeling particularly optimistic today, you can back the same scoreline at 175/1.

A more modest 1-0 win for United is 15/2 with a 2-1 victory 17/2.

Barrow are 17/2 to leave Brunton Park with a 1-0 win and 14/1 to pick up a 2-0 victory.

A goalless draw - the score in this fixture in the 2021/22 season - is priced 11/1 with a 1-1 draw 6/1.

A clean sheet would boost United's chances today and that has a price of 9/4, while a shut-out from Bluebirds' ex-Carlisle No1 Paul Farman is 11/4.

Source: Oddschecker.