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

Barnsley and Birmingham City square off at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon with just two points separating the clubs in the Championship standings.

While the home side are in 13th position, Blues sit in eighth place and currently possess the best defensive record in the division.

Match preview

© Reuters

With Markus Schopp taking the place of successful appointment Valerien Ismael, Barnsley supporters are prepared to remain realistic when it comes to launching another promotion bid this season.

Nevertheless, they will be encouraged by their team's start to the campaign, despite the manner of their 2-2 draw at Queens Park Rangers last weekend.

The Tykes were well on their way to maximum points against opponents who they will class as division rivals before allowing their hosts to salvage a share of the spoils.

Schopp and his players were left visibly frustrated at the full-time whistle, but there were far more positives than negatives to take from the fixture in the capital.

© Reuters

Facing a Birmingham team on the up will be a different test of their character, particularly with Blues showing another side to their game at Luton Town.

Many predicted a game of minimal chances, one which could realistically end in a goalless draw, but Birmingham ran riot in netting five times at Kenilworth Road.

While Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong is taking most of the plaudits, manager Lee Bowyer will be encouraged by Scott Hogan's double against the Hatters.

Providing that Birmingham can maintain their performance level in defence, there is little reason to think that they will not be challenging for the top six come the end of the season.

Birmingham make the trip to Yorkshire having yet to concede a goal on their travels, their previous visit to the county ending with a 1-0 triumph at Sheffield United earlier this month.

Team News

© Reuters

Having had a week off since the draw at QPR, Schopp will give consideration to selecting the same Barnsley players which started at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

The Tykes looked comfortable in that contest before changes were made during the second half, which should see the likes of Jasper Moon and Devante Cole named among the replacements.

Hogan is expected to be passed fit for Birmingham after playing for an hour with a stomach bug against Luton.

Bowyer named a much-changed starting lineup in midweek, making it likely that he will revert back to the team from the most recent Championship game.

Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Dion Sanderson is expected to be selected on the substitutes' bench after making his debut in the EFL Cup.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Collins; Sibbick, Helik, Kitching; Brittain, Palmer, Benson, Styles; Frieser, Woodrow, Odour

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:

Sarkic; Roberts, Dean, Pedersen; Colin, Woods, Sunjic, Bela; Chong, Hogan, Jutkiewicz

We say: Barnsley 1-1 Birmingham City

After making a promising start to the season, both clubs will play with a sense of freedom at Oakwell. That said, these two sides are well matched on paper, leading us to predict a low-scoring share of the spoils.