Date: Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Oakwell Stadium
Competition: EFL League One
Setting the Scene
Barnsley are back at Oakwell on Tuesday night, hosting Exeter City in a fixture that carries a sense of urgency for both sides. Conor Hourihane is still seeking his first win as interim boss, while the Grecians are looking to rebound from a recent setback.
The Reds are enduring a tough spell, winless in their last five outings and struggling to find form since Darrell Clarke's departure. After drawing 1-1 with Wigan Athletic on Saturday, where Davis Keillor-Dunn put them ahead before a late equaliser, Hourihane’s side needs to find a way to grind out three points. With just 1.16 points per game at Oakwell this season, the home crowd will be crucial in pushing the team forward.
Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Points Per Game | League Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnsley | L L L D D | 1.38 | 11th |
| Exeter | W W D D L | 1.18 | 17th |
Team News
Barnsley: Goalkeepers Joe Gauci and Jackson Smith remain sidelined, leaving Kieran Flavell to continue in goal. Marc Roberts' return boosts the defence, while Luca Connell and Adam Phillips could push for starts after bench roles at Wigan. Up front, Keillor-Dunn will again be central to their attacking hopes.
Exeter City: Injuries continue to impact the squad, with Jack Fitzwater, Johnly Yfeko, Pierce Sweeney, and Yanic Wildschut all missing. Magennis will lead the line, hoping to add to his 12-goal tally.
Key Battles
- Keillor-Dunn vs. Exeter Defence: Keillor-Dunn has been the main goal threat for Barnsley, scoring in the draw against Wigan. Exeter’s defence, led by Alex Hartridge, has kept four clean sheets in the last five games, but they’ve struggled to contain physical forwards.
- Midfield Battle: Russell & Connell vs. Trevitt & Francis - Controlling midfield will be crucial, as both sides look to impose their playing style.
- Aerial Duels: Roberts vs. Magennis - Magennis’ aerial ability will test the recently returned Roberts.
Statistical Analysis
| Stat | Barnsley (Home) | Exeter City (Away) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 1.16 | 1.05 |
| Goals Scored Per Game | 1.37 | 0.74 |
| Goals Conceded Per Game | 1.26 | 1.29 |
| BTTS % | 63% | 46% |
What's at Stake?
Let’s be honest - most Reds fans have already accepted that there’s nothing significant left to gain from the remaining fixtures. At this point, it’s about restoring some pride, building a bit of momentum, and giving Conor Hourihane something to work with going forward. A win on Tuesday won’t change the table, but it could help reignite a bit of belief among the fans - something that’s been sorely missing.
Prediction
Barnsley’s home form has been inconsistent, but they’ll feel this is a prime chance to get back on track. Exeter’s resilience away from home can’t be underestimated, but we’re backing the Reds to scrape a narrow win.
Prediction: Barnsley 2-1 Exeter City
Post a Comment
To be published, comments must be reviewed by the administrator *