Preview: Barnsley vs. Peterborough United - prediction, team news, lineups

Barnsley play host to Peterborough United on Sunday afternoon looking to rediscover some form ahead of the League One playoffs.

Meanwhile, seventh-placed Peterborough travel to Oakwell knowing that only a win will do if they are to retain hope of finishing in the top six in the table.

Match preview

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When automatic promotion was out of Barnsley's reach, their form became more inconsistent, something which will only encourage their rivals ahead of the playoffs.

Nevertheless, despite the 3-0 defeat at home to Ipswich Town and being 4-1 down at relegation-threatened MK Dons, Michael Duff departed Milton Keynes feeling reassured about the character of his team.

Three goals in the final 17 minutes earned the Tykes an unlikely share of the spoils, providing the club with a lift as they enter the business end of their campaign.

Although just four wins have come from their last nine fixtures, Barnsley deserve credit for lasting the pace for much of this season, accumulating almost two points per game.

Their home form has been one of their strengths with an excellent 16 wins coming from 22 matches at Oakwell, a record that will not be lost on their opponents.

Peterborough have been the beneficiaries of Derby's inconsistency, yet it has been their own indifferent results that could cost them a chance to contest promotion.

A 3-0 defeat at home to Ipswich Town was followed by a goalless draw versus Bristol Rovers on familiar territory, that proving to be the difference between sitting two points adrift of the Rams and being level.

With Derby playing away to Sheffield Wednesday, who they could meet in the playoff semi-finals, Peterborough have every chance to stealing sixth place if they can upset the odds in Yorkshire.

While Darren Ferguson's team have lost 11 times on their travels this season, Posh have also collected four wins from their most recent five away outings.

Team News

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Max Watters will almost certainly be drafted into the Barnsley XI after his double from the substitutes' bench at MK Dons.

Luca Connell could come back into the side after illness, as may Adam Phillips, but Mads Andersen and Jordan Williams are expected to remain on the sidelines.

Dan Butler is likely to start at left wing-back for Peterborough after Nathanael Ogbeta was forced off during the early stages against Bristol Rovers.

Ferguson must decide whether to tinker with his attack after two games without a goal, Ricky Jade-Jones the most likely alternative if a change is made.

Barring any further injury issues, the remainder of the Posh side could stay the same.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Isted; Cundy, Thomas, Kitching; Williams, Connell, Kane, Phillips, Cadden; Norwood, Watters

Peterborough United possible starting lineup:

Norris; Knight, Kent, Edwards; Ward, Norburn, Taylor, Butler; Poku, Mason-Clark; Clarke-Harris

We say: Barnsley 2-1 Peterborough United

With both teams having endured mixed results of late, this is a difficult match to call. Peterborough will inevitably have to throw caution to the wind at some stage, but that may allow Barnsley to edge this contest in the final stages.

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