Burton Albionvs.Barnsley

The relegation-threatened hosts will be hoping to boost their survival hopes by ending their eight-game winless run while the visitors are looking to consolidate their spot in the playoff zone.

Match preview

Burton's winless streak stretched to eight games last Saturday after a 1-1 draw with Wigan at the DW Stadium. John Brayford's 54th-minute strike cancelled out Sam Hughes's own goal that had put the Brewers behind two minutes from half-time.

Martin Paterson's side are languishing in 20th position and just one point above the relegation zone after losing six of their last eight matches (D2).

Having scored 32 goals in 40 league matches, the joint-second-lowest by any team in the current campaign, Burton need to find a cutting edge in the final third if they are to maintain their League One status.

The Brewers have failed to score in five of their last eight League One games, but they will hope they can score in back-to-back games when they welcome Barnsley. They will be buoyed by the fact that they have won their last two home matches against the Tykes, scoring five goals and conceding just twice.

In 12 encounters with Monday's opponents, Burton have won just three times, drawn four and lost five, including the reverse fixture where they were defeated 2-0.

Barnsley are hoping to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons, having lost 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in the final of last season's League One playoff final.

Neill Collins's side are currently 10 points off second position, which is the last automatic promotion spot, but they sit fifth in the division, seven points ahead of seventh-placed Oxford United with a game in hand.

However, the Tykes have just one win in their last five matches, drawing two and losing two, including a 2-0 defeat to Cambridge United at Oakwell Stadium last time out.

Barnsley are back on the road on Monday, where they have not lost in their last nine matches, drawing three and winning six, including their last three.

Collins's side are the second-best away side in League One this season, picking up 39 points from 18 matches, with 11 wins, six draws and just one defeat.

Burton Albion League One form:

D

L

L

L

L

D

Barnsley League One form:

W

D

L

W

D

L

Team News

Jasper Moon, who has been out of action since the start of February, returned to the starting line up in Burton's draw with Wigan and is expected to retain his place in defence.

Mason Bennett also played from the start last time out and should lead the line once again alongside Joe Hugill.

A midfield three of Mark Helm, Joe Powell and Ciaran Gilligan could start in front of a back five.

Matthew Wolfe remains sidelined for Barnsley due to a knee problem, but every other player is available for the Tykes.

Devante Cole, who has scored 17 times in the league this term, returned to the XI in Barnsley's defeat against Cambridge and should start in attack alongside James McAtee who has scored eight league goals this season.

Burton Albion possible starting lineup:

Crocombe; Hamer, Hughes, Brayford, Moon, Seddon; Gilligan, Powell, Helm; Bennett, Hugill

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Roberts; De Gevigney, McCart, Earl; O'Keeffe, Russell, Connell, Cadden; Phillips; McAtee, Cole

We say: Burton Albion 1-2 Barnsley

Burton's recent form has been extremely poor, and they have only managed to triumph in six of their 19 home league matches this season. Barnsley are the second-best side on the road and are currently on a three-match winning run away from home.

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