Preview: Barnsley vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Barnsley welcome Blackburn Rovers to Oakwell on Wednesday evening on the back of ending Brentford's long-standing unbeaten record in the Championship.

The surprise win over the Bees has moved Barnsley level on points with their ninth-placed opponents, who have suffered back-to-back defeats.

Match preview

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Narrowing losing out to Chelsea in the FA Cup on Thursday frustrated Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael, who felt that his side could have defeated the Premier League giants.

However, the promise shown during that performance was turned into a substantial return during the game against Brentford as Barnsley ended a five-match winless streak by defeating one of the form teams in the country.

While goals from Conor Chaplin and Carlton Morris proved to be the difference, Ismael would have gained greater satisfaction from the clean sheet which was recorded at the promotion contenders.

Barnsley are now part of a nine-team group separated by just three points, throwing up the opportunity of a place in the top 10 and above with victory on Wednesday night.

Blackburn are also among the clubs looking to break clear in the race for a top-six position, despite suffering two successive defeats in the Championship.

Tony Mowbray would have expected points to be picked up from fixtures against Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End, teams sitting below them in the table.

However, losing both games and scoring just one goal in the process would have reminded Mowbray that being blessed with a talented squad will not necessarily be enough to make headway up the standings.

While Rovers now have one of the best backlines in the second tier, they have not scored more than twice in a match since they defeated 10-man Preston at Deepdale on November 24.

Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott, who has earned rave reviews since his switch to Ewood Park, is now without a goal in his last 10 appearances in all competitions.

Barnsley Championship form: LLLDDW Barnsley form (all competitions): LWDDLW

Blackburn Rovers Championship form: WDWWLL Blackburn Rovers form (all competitions): LDWWLL

Team News

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Mowbray could make a number of changes to his Blackburn XI, including handing recalls to Elliott and Ben Brereton.

Manchester City loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis may also be drafted into the starting lineup for his first start.

Ismael may opt to keep changes down to a minimum having taken the chance to rest several of his Barnsley players at the weekend.

Cauley Woodrow is most likely to return to the starting lineup, taking the place of Morris in the final third.

Barnsley possible starting lineup: Walton; Andersen, Helik, Sollbauer; Brittain, Palmer, Mowatt, Styles; Chaplin, Woodrow, Dike

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup: Kaminski; Harwood-Bellis, Lenihan, Branthwaite, Bell; Travis, Rothwell; Elliott, Dack, Brereton; Armstrong

We say: Barnsley 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

Playing their third game in under a week, Barnsley may have to rely on adrenaline to repeat their exploits at the weekend. Nevertheless, we feel that they will have enough in the tank to earn at least a share of the spoils, a result which would not aid either team's promotion bid.