MX23RW : Thursday, November 10 19:50:58| >> :120:8658:8658:
[monks data]
Oct 29, 2022 at 3pm UK at Oakwell Stadium
Barnsley
2 - 0
Forest Green
Cole (15'), Martin (83')
Kitching (33')
FT(HT: 1-0)

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

Sports Mole previews Saturday's League One clash between Barnsley and Forest Green Rovers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Barnsley will look to get their League One season back on track with a victory against struggling Forest Green Rovers at Oakwell on Saturday.

Michael Duff's men have slipped down the division and sit five points outside of the playoff places ahead of the game with 22nd-placed Rovers.


Match preview

Middlesbrough manager Michael Duff on August 10, 2022© Reuters

October has been a tough month for the Reds as they have no wins - or goals - in their last four games and were beaten at home by Lincoln City on Tuesday night courtesy of Daniel Mandroiu's strike in first half stoppage time.

That followed a bitterly disappointing defeat against bottom-of-the-league Morecambe last weekend, so there is a fair amount of pressure resting on Duff's shoulders.

Fans are starting to turn on the manager, but are also blaming the summer's investment for the team's issues in recent weeks, with those on the terraces deeming the current crop of players not good enough to compete at the top of a strong third tier.

Barnsley's home form has left a lot to be desired, picking up just 10 points from a possible 21, winning just three of those games and scoring just eight goals at Oakwell - the fewest of any team in the top 10.

A return to winning ways will keep the pressure up on those above them, but would also keep the distance above Derby County and Lincoln who have the same amount of points but have played a game less than the Reds.

Barnsley's Mads Andersen looks dejected after the match on March 5, 2022© Reuters

Forest Green picked up a point with the stalemate specialists Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night, after Harvey Bunker's first goal for the club was cancelled out by Callum Morton's effort with 20 minutes to go.

That result meant they are unbeaten in their last two games on the road, with a narrow defeat at home to Portsmouth sandwiched in between the Fleetwood game and a 2-2 draw at Port Vale two weeks ago.

Rovers have been slightly better on their travels this season, picking up seven of their 13 points away from home, but they have not tasted victory since the opening day success against Bristol Rovers.

The draw with Fleetwood had some positives, but they could have won the game had they been more adventurous after going ahead.

Defensive instability has been the main concern for Forest Green, conceding a league-high 33 goals - which includes 18 in their eight away games - and some fans are starting to question whether manager Ian Burchnall is the right man for the job.

Barnsley League One form:


Barnsley form (all competitions):


Forest Green Rovers League One form:


Forest Green Rovers form (all competitions):



Team News

Forest Green Rovers' Mathew Stevens celebrates scoring their first goal with teammate on March 21, 2022© Reuters

Barnsley will hope to have Jordan Williams available again after the full-back missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, so he could return in place of Tom Edwards.

Nicky Cadden should start in midfield against his former team, as could Jack Aitchison, who was a substitute in the defeat to Lincoln.

Forest Green are missing Reece Brown, who is set to be out for a while with a serious hamstring injury, and fellow midfielder David Davis is also a doubt with a knee problem, and striker Matty Stevens remains out with a long-term knee injury.

Defender Bunker scored his first goal for the club against Fleetwood so should keep his place in the back three, and Armani Little could come in up front in place of Chelsea loanee Bryan Fiabema.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:
Collins; Cundy, Andersen, Kitching; Edwards, Kane, Benson, Cadden; Aitchison, Connell; Norwood

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:
Thomas; Bunker, Marques, Cargill; O'Keefe, Hendry, Peart-Harris, Stevenson, Boyes; Wickham, Little


SM words green background

We say: Barnsley 2-1 Forest Green Rovers

Despite a poor run of late, Barnsley should still be good enough to get by Forest Green. Their experience should get them through the game, but the visitors will not make it an easy ride.

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




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How you voted: Barnsley vs Forest Green

Barnsley
90.0%
Draw
10.0%
Forest Green Rovers
0.0%
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Plymouth ArgylePlymouth17132236191741
2Ipswich TownIpswich17114235181737
3Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds17104333161734
4Peterborough UnitedPeterborough17101632191331
5Portsmouth157622517827
6Bolton WanderersBolton168351914527
7Derby CountyDerby167452015525
8Barnsley167361914524
9Charlton AthleticCharlton175842723423
10Shrewsbury TownShrewsbury176561719-223
11Port Vale176562024-423
12Exeter CityExeter176472825322
13Wycombe WanderersWycombe176472323022
14Lincoln CityLincoln165741819-122
15Fleetwood TownFleetwood174941715221
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd175572020020
17Bristol Rovers175572731-420
18Cambridge UnitedCambridge1761101829-1119
19Cheltenham TownCheltenham165381320-718
20Accrington StanleyAccrington174581829-1117
21MK Dons1642101522-714
22Morecambe172781327-1413
23Forest Green RoversForest Green1734101535-2013
24Burton Albion1733112035-1512

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