Barnet will look to extend their unbeaten league run against a Swindon Town side grappling with a significant injury crisis when the teams meet at The Hive on Tuesday. The Bees sit second in the League Two standings with 21 points from nine games, just one point behind leaders Salford City, and have scored more goals than any other team in the division.

Swindon manager Ian Holloway confirmed his squad will be without several key players for the trip. Ollie Clarke, who played for an hour in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Walsall, is managing a hamstring issue. Holloway said Clarke "went through hell out there" and does not expect him to feature. Defender Dan Butler is also unavailable as he tries to calm his body down, while forward Danny Butterworth, only just back from a serious hamstring injury, is struggling with a tight hamstring in the same leg and will not travel.

Injury updates

Barnet have minor concerns over Sam Inwood and Tom Nichols but both could be available. Inwood was dealing with a glute issue last week, while Nichols has been managing a niggle. Holloway was hesitant to confirm Inwood's availability for the opposition. Swindon's lengthy injury list saw 11 players miss the Walsall match, forcing a tactical reshuffle.

Tactical context

Holloway switched Swindon to a 3-4-1-2 formation against Walsall, with Clarke moving into a back three. After the draw, the manager hinted at further changes, stating, "I don't think I can pick the same team again." This suggests another tactical adjustment could be in store for the visit to Barnet.

Barnet's formidable form, which includes a 2-1 win at Tranmere Rovers last Friday, is powered by the league's most potent attack. Striker Kabongo Tshimanga, who scored twice in that victory, leads the scoring charts with 16 goals this season. The team's recent results, including wins over Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood Town, have solidified their promotion credentials.

Tuesday's match presents a clear opportunity for Barnet to strengthen their position. They face a Swindon side in 18th place, who must cope without Clarke, Butler and Butterworth, though the latter two could be ready for Swindon's subsequent trip to Bristol Rovers. The game kicks off at The Hive on October 20.