Barnsleyvs.Reading

The Tykes occupy fifth place in the League One standings, while the visitors head into the weekend in 17th position.

Match preview

Barnsley have experienced a dip in form at a crucial point of the season, with their last eight matches producing two wins, two draws and four defeats.

The Tykes have begun April with three consecutive away matches, winning 3-1 against Burton Albion before losing 2-1 to both Charlton Athletic and Stevenage.

Adam Phillips opened the scoring in Tuesday's clash with Stevenage, before Jamie Reid and Dan Butler grabbed a goal apiece to ensure Barnsley returned home with nothing to show for their efforts.

Although they have lost three of their last four matches, the Tykes are still on course to achieve a top-six finish with six points separating them from seventh position.

Nevertheless, Barnsley will still be desperate to claim all three points on Saturday, especially as they have gone four home games without a win since beating Derby County on February 24.

Despite being hampered by a six-point deduction, Reading managed to all but secure their League One survival with a 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

Sam Smith opened the scoring at the Memorial Stadium, before Lewis Wing doubled Reading's advantage in the closing stages of the first period.

The Royals ultimately stood firm in the second period to claim their maximum points and record just their second away clean sheet of the League One season.

Reading have proven to be a tough team to beat in recent times, having won three, drawn one and lost one of their previous five matches.

Not only will they want to avoid a defeat this weekend, but the Royals will also be hoping to clinch consecutive away league wins for the first time this season.

Barnsley League One form:

W

D

L

W

L

L

Reading League One form:

L

W

W

L

D

W

Team News

Barnsley defender Donovan Pines will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a thigh injury in last month's defeat to Bolton Wanderers.

Collins could be tempted to bring fresh legs into the midfield, with Herbie Kane in contention to start Saturday's home fixture.

Phillips is expected to operate just behind the forward, and the 26-year-old will be hoping to find the net in a third consecutive game.

The Royals, meanwhile, will have to assess Andy Yiadom after he picked up a knock in the midweek win over Bristol Rovers.

If Yiadom is passed fit, Reading boss Ruben Selles could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup for Saturday's contest.

Buoyed from Tuesday's successful outing, Smith will be looking to add to his 12-goal league tally when he leads the line against Barnsley.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Roberts; De Gevigney, McCart, Earl; Williams, Kane, Connell, Cadden; Phillips, McAtee; Cosgrove

Reading possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Yiadom, Mbengue, Bindon, Mola; Wing, Elliott; Azeez, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan; Smith

We say: Barnsley 1-1 Reading

Barnsley will be keen to return to winning ways following back-to-back defeats, but we think that they will be held to a draw by a Reading side that has lost just one of their last five matches.

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