Barnsley's fate to be decided at the John Smith's
Barnsley will be confirmed as relegated to League One if they do not win at, third placed, Huddersfield Town on Friday evening.
The Terriers have been one of the surprise packages in the Championship this season, with Carlos Corberan’s reputation in the dugout growing tenfold compared to the extended relegation battle they survived last term.
The Tykes have fallen away since the international break and are capping one of the most pathetic battles against relegation in some years in the second tier, after finishing fifth last season.
The Terriers are close to confirming their position in the play-offs and are heavy favourites having been very strong at the John Smith’s Stadium all season.
Process
Both teams have been fairly unconvincing in front of goal this season, with set pieces a huge area of the game for the hosts.
Huddersfield have a negative expected goal difference, yet still sit third, and are only creating chances at 1.16 expected goals (xG) for per game.
The Tykes have been seriously desperate in front of goal all season, with Carlton Morris a small ray of light after struggling with injury in the first half of the campaign.
Barnsley have scored just 31 goals in 42 games this term and will have to go for the jugular, as a draw will have them relegated as well as a loss.
The Terriers’ backline is the reason they are where they are in the division, and Lee Nicholls has had an excellent debut season between the sticks, unders is very tempting with the added context of Barnsley needing the points.
Goals?
You cannot bank on either side to be high scoring, therefore unders looks the most appealing angle.
Huddersfield have scored in eight of ten.
Huddersfield have conceded in five of ten.
Huddersfield have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Huddersfield have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Barnsley have scored in seven of ten.
Barnsley have conceded in nine of ten.
Barnsley have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Barnsley have seen over 2.5 goals in two of ten.
Barnsley have shown their underlying quality in flashes over the last few months, therefore there is no value with the hosts, but they are rightfully strong favourites.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Callum Styles' 97th minute strike from range scuppers us, 2-1 Huddersfield.