EFL League One
Kick-off: 7:45 PM GMT
Venue: The Valley, Charlton
Barnsley’s pursuit of a place in the League One play-offs takes them to The Valley on Tuesday evening, where they face sixth-placed Charlton Athletic.
The Reds, buoyed by three consecutive wins, could cut the gap to the play-off spots to just a single point with victory. However, defeat would leave them seven points adrift and with a mountain to climb if they want to extend their season into May.
With both sides finding form at the right time, and Charlton boasting one of the best home records in the division, this fixture could be pivotal in shaping the top six race.
The Opposition
Charlton Athletic are enjoying an impressive second half of the season under Nathan Jones. Having won 10 of their last 14 games, they’ve climbed into the play-off places and strengthened their grip with a dramatic 2-1 win at Leyton Orient on Saturday, courtesy of two injury-time goals.
The Addicks’ home form has been the foundation of their success. They are unbeaten in their last nine games at The Valley and have conceded just one goal in their last six home matches – and even that was from the penalty spot. Jones has built a well-drilled, resolute side that combines defensive solidity with enough attacking quality to grind out results.
The Reds
Barnsley’s recent upturn in form continued on Saturday with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Lincoln City. That result made it three wins in a row, breathing new life into the club’s play-off ambitions after back-to-back defeats against Derby County and Port Vale.
Darrell Clarke’s side have been particularly dangerous away from home this season, scoring in each of their last eight away games. With Luca Connell returning from suspension, and Neil Farrugia available again, the Reds travel to London with renewed confidence and a near full-strength squad.
Clarke will want to see his side show greater defensive organisation after conceding three at the weekend, especially against a Charlton side who are clinical at home.
Form Guide (Last Five League Games)
| Team | Results | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Charlton Athletic | W W L W W | 12 |
| Barnsley | L L W W W | 9 |
Head-to-Head
| Last 15 Meetings | Wins | Draws | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlton Athletic | 5 | 5 | 25 |
| Barnsley | 5 | 5 | 21 |
The reverse fixture at Oakwell ended 2-1 to Barnsley, but 67% of recent meetings have seen both teams score, with an average of three goals per game.
From the Dugout
Nathan Jones – Charlton Athletic
Charlton boss Nathan Jones highlighted the importance of their home form, but also acknowledged the threat Barnsley pose on the counter-attack.
The lads have been excellent at home, and we’ve built real momentum at The Valley. That’s something we’ll look to carry into Tuesday’s game. Barnsley are dangerous in transition and strong out wide, so we’ll need to stay organised and disciplined.
Darrell Clarke – Barnsley
Barnsley head coach Darrell Clarke confirmed Neil Farrugia is fit to return at left wing-back, while Luca Connell is available again after his two-match suspension. However, Georgie Gent and Stephen Humphrys are both doubts after picking up injuries against Lincoln City.
It’s a big boost to have Luca back. Games are coming thick and fast and getting our skipper’s energy and leadership back is massive.
Clarke also praised his side’s attacking options, with Davis Keillor-Dunn continuing his excellent form.
Davo is in tremendous form, and Humphs has been heavily involved in the goals over the last two games. With Max (Watters) getting fitter and Clement (Rodrigues) settling in, our attacking options are looking much better.
Likely Lineups
Charlton Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Mannion
Watson, McIntyre, Thomas, Edwards
Coventry, Berry
Campbell, Leaburn, Gilbey
Godden
Barnsley (3-5-2)
Smith
McCarthy, Roberts, Earl
O’Keeffe, Connell, Russell, Phillips, Farrugia
Keillor-Dunn, Watters
Injuries and Suspensions – Barnsley
Out: Donovan Pines, Jonathan Lewis, Fabio Jalo, Joe Gauci, Barry Cotter
Doubtful: Georgie Gent, Stephen Humphrys
Returning: Luca Connell (suspension), Neil Farrugia (injury)
Key Players
Charlton Athletic
- Matt Godden – Charlton’s top scorer with 10 goals this season, always a danger inside the box.
- Luke Berry – 5 goals from midfield, capable of influencing the game both creatively and defensively.
- Tyreece Campbell – A lively wide player who will look to stretch Barnsley’s back three.
Barnsley
- Davis Keillor-Dunn – Top scorer with 14 goals and the Reds’ most consistent attacking threat.
- Adam Phillips – Reached double figures for goals from midfield for the third consecutive season, adding crucial end product.
- Luca Connell – Back in the side, Connell’s leadership and composure in midfield could be vital against Charlton’s high press.
Match Prediction
This is a classic clash of strengths – Charlton’s defensive resilience at home against Barnsley’s dangerous away form, with both sides carrying a clear attacking threat.
Charlton’s nine-game unbeaten run at The Valley and their exceptional defensive record at home make them tough to break down, but Barnsley have shown they can hurt teams on the road. If the Reds can tighten up defensively and get Keillor-Dunn and Phillips into good areas, they are more than capable of taking something from the game.
Score Prediction:
Charlton Athletic 2-2 Barnsley
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