Match Preview: Northampton Town v Barnsley

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Kick-Off: 7:45 PM GMT
Venue: Sixfields Stadium, Northampton

The Lowdown

Barnsley hit the road once again as they travel to Sixfields Stadium on Tuesday night to take on Northampton Town in Sky Bet League One action. The Reds will be looking to build on their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rotherham United, while the Cobblers aim to continue their revival after a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers at the weekend.

Kevin Nolan has overseen a turnaround at Northampton, with his side picking up three wins from their last four league fixtures. Meanwhile, Barnsley’s playoff hopes remain alive after halting a difficult run of form with a crucial victory. With both sides eager for points, this midweek clash has all the ingredients for an intriguing contest.

Form Guide

Northampton Town (17th - 32 pts)

Last 5 Matches: L W W L W
Home Record: 40% Win Rate | 1.40 PPG | 1.07 Goals Scored Per Game
Key Trend: Northampton have put together a decent run, now unbeaten in three. However, goals have been hard to come by, failing to score in two of their last five matches.

Barnsley (10th - 46 pts)

Last 5 Matches: L D L L W
Away Record: 56% Win Rate | 1.75 PPG | 1.44 Goals Scored Per Game
Key Trend: Barnsley have struggled for consistency, losing three of their last five matches. However, they picked up a crucial win last time out and remain strong on the road, boasting a 56% win rate in away games this season.

Previous Meetings

• Last Meeting: August 2024 – Barnsley 2-2 Northampton Town
• Last 4 Meetings: Northampton 1 Win | Barnsley 1 Win | 2 Draws
• Average Goals Per Game: 3
• BTTS Occurred: 100% of the time

Northampton have a solid record against Barnsley historically, winning 14 of their 27 encounters. Their last meeting at Oakwell saw the teams share the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Manager’s Corner

Kevin Nolan (Northampton Town):

• "We need to keep pushing forward. The lads have shown great spirit in recent weeks, and we want to build on our home form."
• Approach: Defensive solidity, fast transitions, and set-piece effectiveness.

Darrell Clarke (Barnsley):

• "Saturday’s win was massive for us. We need to build on it and make sure we stay in the mix."
• Approach: High pressing, attacking intensity, and capitalizing on Northampton’s defensive weaknesses.

Team News

Northampton Town:

• Cameron McGeehan (Suspended) – 10 yellow cards.
• Jon Guthrie, Callum Morton, TJ Eyoma (Injured) – Unavailable.
• Dara Costelloe expected to start after scoring last time out.
• Jordan Willis (Fitness Test) – Could return to the XI.

Barnsley:

• Luca Connell (Suspended) – Two-match ban for 10 yellow cards.
• Joe Gauci (Doubtful) – Hip injury, with Jackson Smith likely to deputise.
• Max Watters (Available) – Back from ankle injury and expected to feature.
• Georgie Gent (Available) – Set to return to the squad after being rested.
• Donovan Pines (Injured) – Hamstring injury.
• Fabio Jalo (Injured) – Out until late March.
• Barry Cotter (Injured) – Unlikely to play again this season due to ankle surgery.
• Josh Benson & Kelechi Nwakali – Expected to battle for Connell’s midfield spot.

Predicted Lineups

Northampton Town (3-4-3):

Tzanev; McGowan, Dyche, Odimayo; Hoskins, Shaw, Taylor, Pinnock; Costelloe, Fosu, Willis

Barnsley (3-5-2):

Smith; De Gevigney, Roberts, Earl; O'Keefe, Phillips, Russell, Farrugia; Humphrys, Keillor-Dunn

Key Battles

Tom Eaves vs. Barnsley’s Back Three
Eaves will need to impose his aerial dominance and physicality against a well-drilled Barnsley defence.

Adam Phillips vs. Northampton Midfield
Phillips will be Barnsley’s creative spark, looking to dictate the tempo and feed their attacking duo.

Match Prediction

Both teams come into this match on the back of important wins, but Barnsley’s impressive away form gives them the edge. Northampton have struggled for goals, and without their key playmaker McGeehan, they could find it difficult to break through. However, the Cobblers have shown resilience and could make life difficult for the visitors.

Prediction: Northampton Town 1-2 Barnsley

Will Barnsley’s away form prove decisive, or can Northampton continue their resurgence? Let us know your thoughts!