Saturday’s top Championship match sees newly promoted Barnsley host relegated Fulham at Oakwell.
Having spent heavily this summer, Barnsley will be relishing this early test against a Fulham side who have kept the majority of last season’s squad whilst adding Championship level quality.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesBarnsley will be without injured striker, Jacob Brown as he continues to recover from a pre-season injury.
Long-term absentee, Kenny Dougall is still recovering from a broken leg suffered in March but several new signings are set to start for the Tykes.
Fulham is without Ryan Sessegnon as the youngster continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, whilst Alfie Mawson is ruled out with a knee injury.
Stefan Johansen meanwhile faces a late fitness test on a shin injury.
Form
Barnsley enter this match with four wins from five pre-season friendlies and have scored 15 goals across those games, with seven goals coming from Cauley Woodrow.
Fulham on the other hand have just one win and draw apiece from their five pre-season friendlies, including a pair of 1-0 defeats by Porto and West Ham respectively.
Stat Attack
- Barnsley have taken just a point from their last six meetings with Fulham (D1 L5), with their last victory in this fixture coming in March 2000 when they won 1-0 at Oakwell.
- Both teams have scored in three of last four meetings with Fulham netting at least twice across each of last four meetings.
- Fulham have avoided defeat on four of their last nine trips to Oakwell (W2, D2, L5).
- Barnsley have lost their last three opening weekend fixtures in the Championship, with the last two coming away from Oakwell.
- Fulham have taken two draws and losses apiece plus one victory from their last five opening weekend fixtures in last five seasons.
Prediction
Barnsley have spent well this summer but Fulham is the intriguing side because their shambolic defence seems to have leaked into this season, judging by their pre-season form.
I therefore can see both teams scoring here but whoever wins this will depends on whether the Cottagers’ leaky defence is still yet to be repaired so a draw would be a decent bet for the home side here.
Prediction: Barnsley 1-1 Fulham
Result: Barnsley 1-0 Fulham