Preview: Coventry City vs. Barnsley - prediction, team news, lineups

Barnsley face Coventry City at St Andrew's looking for the victory which will strengthen their bid to earn a place in the Championship playoffs.

Meanwhile, Sky Blues head into the contest on the back of an important win over Rotherham United, a result which moved the club six points clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

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Coventry have gone throughout this season without recording back-to-back wins in the Championship, form which has ensured that they have always been candidates for relegation.

However, while that remains the case, two wins from three games have moved the Sky Blues into 18th position with just five matches remaining.

Rotherham's two games in hand means that Mark Robins and his squad cannot afford to be complacent over the coming weeks, but one more win will put the club on the brink of survival.

Defender Leo Ostigard has netted twice in his last three appearances, his only efforts in the final third during his loan switch from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The goals of the Norwegian youngster have been required with no Coventry player scoring more than five times this campaign.

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While Coventry are bidding to remain in this division, Barnsley are closing in on claiming an unlikely playoff spot at the end of the season.

After two games without success, victories over Luton Town and Middlesbrough have kept Valerien Ismael's team five points clear of nearest rivals Reading.

The Tykes still sit just four points adrift of third-placed Brentford, but Ismael's priority will be ensuring that sixth place is guaranteed as soon as possible.

USA international Daryl Dike took his tally to eight goals from 14 appearances during the 2-0 triumph over Boro last weekend.

Team News

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Despite the three-day turnaround, Robins is unlikely to make major changes to his Coventry XI.

The sole alteration to the team could see Gustavo Hamer take the place of either Tyler Walker or Callum O'Hare.

Having had over a week to prepare for this contest, Ismael may also prefer to keep the majority of the team which defeated Middlesbrough.

Michael Sollbauer could return in defence, while Carlton Morris and Dominik Frieser are competing for one place in the final third.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Wilson; Ostigard, McFadzean, Hyam; Da Costa, James, Kelly, McCallum; O'Hare, Hamer; Godden

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Collins; Andersen, Helik, Sollbauer; Brittain, Palmer, Mowatt, Styles; Frieser, Dyke, Woodrow

We say: Coventry City 0-2 Barnsley

Thursday's win over Rotherham has eased the pressure on Robins and his Coventry side ahead of this contest. However, while the Sky Blues will be eager to get another three points on the board, we are backing Barnsley to emerge victorious in relatively comfortable fashion.