2019-20 Sky Bet Championship: Week 15 – Friday

Relegation battling Barnsley welcome promotion chasing Bristol City to Oakwell in a tasty Friday Night Football from the Sky Bet Championship.

Victory will temporarily lift Barnsley off the bottom and above Stoke whilst Bristol City could go second if they take all three points, ahead of this weekend’s matches. 

 

Team news

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Aapo Halme is in contention to return for Barnsley after missing their last two matches with a calf injury.

Bambo Diaby (knock), Samuel Radlinger and Patrick Schmidt (both fitness) are also set to feature.

Bristol City will again be without Famara Diedhiou as the Senegal international serves the second of a three match ban. 

Tomas Kalas (hamstring) and Korey Smith (foot) are set to be available whilst Taylor Moore is doubtful with a knee injury. 

Adam Nagy (ankle) meanwhile is unlikely to be risked and could join Jack Hunt (hamstring), Jay Dasilva (leg) and Benik Afobe (knee) on the sidelines. 

 

Form

Barnsley have taken just three points from their last five matches although they have scored in each of their last six games, stretching back to their 3-1 home defeat by Brentford at the end of September. 

Bristol City come into this game with just one defeat in their last 13 league matches, which in their last away trip at Luton which they lost 3-0 and marked only the second game in that run in which they failed to score. 

 

Stat Attack

• Barnsley are winless in their last seven clashes with Bristol City despite both teams scoring in each of those seven matches (D4, L3). 
• Three of Barnsley’s last five goals have all come in the first half. 
• Only five of Bristol City’s ten starting outfield players from their last meeting with Barnsley in March 2018 still remain with the club, although Jamie Paterson is the only departure out on loan from those who have left.  

 

Prediction

Barnsley really need to start improving defensively if they want to make progress in their relegation battle, whereas Bristol City have to view this as a must win and go out playing their attacking football. 

If the Robins do that and manage to impose themselves quickly then I can’t see past an away win, although their defence isn’t much better. 

Prediction: Barnsley 1-3 Bristol City

Result: Barnsley 2-2 Bristol City