Preview: Barnsley vs. Stevenage - prediction, team news, lineups

Barnsley and Stevenage lock horns in a mouth-watering League One clash at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon, with both sides harbouring playoff aspirations.

The Tykes currently sit seventh in the table, just two points adrift of the top six, while Stevenage occupy the fourth spot, only behind third-placed Oxford United on goal difference.

Match preview

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Neill Collins's Barnsley have enjoyed a solid run in recent weeks, unbeaten in their last four league games, but they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against Charlton Athletic last weekend, leaving them on 35 points from 10 wins, five draws and five losses.

The Tykes' only defeat in their last five games in all competitions was a 2-1 loss to Blackpool in the EFL Trophy on December 5, which saw them exit the competition.

Barnsley are having their second home match in a row this weekend, and they have been in fine form at Oakwell in recent games, recording two wins and two draws in their last four matches on home turf, a run they will be aiming to extend against Stevenage.

However, the Tykes will have to be at their best on Saturday against one of the best away teams in the league this season, having already lost four League One games in front of their fans.

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Barnsley and Stevenage, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.

Stevenage, meanwhile, are coming into this fixture in fine form, having avoided defeat in nine straight league matches. Steve Evans's men drew 1-1 against Exeter City at the Lamex Stadium last time out, putting them in fourth spot on 40 points with 11 wins, seven draws and four losses, eight points behind league leaders Portsmouth.

The Boro are on a four-match away unbeaten streak, picking up three wins and one draw, last losing on the road against Blackpool on October 14 while they are also the second-best away team so far, only behind Portsmouth.

The league defeat to Blackpool was also the last time Stevenage lost any game in all competitions, having since played 13 matches without losing including three in the FA Cup and one in the EFL Trophy.

Team News

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The hosts have a fully fit squad for this fixture with no injury worries or suspensions.

Devante Cole is Barnsley's leading scorer this season with 12 goals, and he is expected to start alongside Sam Cosgrove in attack for this clash.

Jordan Williams, Mael de Gevigney and Jamie McCart are expected to form a back three for this fixture.

As for the visitors, defender Finley Burns is the only worry as he has missed the last couple of games due to injury issues.

Jamie Reid, who has scored 13 goals for Stevenage this season, is expected to be in a front two alongside Kane Hemmings.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Roberts; Williams, De Gevigney, McCart; Dodgson, Kane, Connell, Phillips, O'Keeffe; Cosgrove, Cole

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; N Thompson, Piergianni, Sweeney; James-Wildin, L Thompson, Forster-Caskey, Butler; Freeman; Hemmings, Reid

We say: Barnsley 1-1 Stevenage

This match promises to be a tight and tense affair, with both sides desperate for the three points. Barnsley's recent form will see their confidence increase going into this match, but Stevenage's fighting spirit and away-day prowess should not be underestimated.

We predict that this will end in a draw with both sides finding the net.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.