Barnsley head into the first leg of the Championship playoff semi-finals looking to get an edge closer to an unlikely Premier League promotion. The sides play host to Swansea City at the Oakwell Ground with kickoff at 10:15 pm.
The Tykes finished the season on a draw to Norwich City, whereas the visitors fell for a loss to fourth-place Watford.
The fate for Barnsley in the playoffs got sealed with a couple of games remaining. Life under Valerien Ismael maintains an upward trajectory, but many fans know the uphill task ahead to make it to the Premier League.
Furthermore, it was a challenging task in the remaining nine games of the season for the Tykes. However, the side managed to pick up 14 points from the last nine games while seeing a challenge from Reading to make it to the playoffs.
It is over two decades since Barnsley took part in England’s top flight. However, Ismael’s task is to keep his side on track to avoid outside emotions from taking centre stage during their final preparations.
In contrast, Steve Cooper might feel a little bit frustrated having to fight for a spot in the Premier League through the playoffs. Swansea was on the verge of gaining an automatic promotion spot during the two closing months of the season.
Barnsley vs Swansea City Head to Head
Both sides have 12 games against each other, with Swansea taking seven wins while Barnsley without a win yet. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Barnsley 2-2 Norwich City
- Preston North End 2-0 Barnsley
- Barnsley 1-0 Rotherham United
- Huddersfield Town 0-1 Barnsley
- Coventry City 2-0 Barnsley
Away
- Watford 2-0 Swansea City
- Swansea City 2-1 Derby County
- Reading 2-2 Swansea City
- Swansea City 0-1 QPR
- Swansea City 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers
Barnsley Team News
A major injury boost for Ismael is the return of Alex Mowatt from a groin injury. Other contenders for a spot in the starting lineup includes Michael Sollbauer and Dike – both featured as substitutes the last outing.
Swansea City Team News
We expect a change in formation by Steve Cooper that could see Liam Cullen join Jordan Ayew ahead in the attack. Jake Bidwell continues giving Ryan Manning a run for his money at left-back. However, Korey Smith expects to start on the bench.
Prediction and Odds
We envisage a tight contest with minor edges making the difference, but history might repeat itself in favour of visitors.
- Swansea City Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- Ayew to Score
