Preview: Barnsley vs. Bolton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

After playing out a goalless draw in October's league fixture, the Tykes beat Bolton 2-1 in the first round of the FA Cup in November.

Match preview

Barnsley extended their unbeaten league run to seven matches with a narrow 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town on Thursday.

The Tykes looked like they had missed their chance to claim all three points when Fleetwood's Admiral Muskwe equalised from the spot to cancel out James Norwood's opener, but they still managed to emerge victorious thanks to Robbie Cundy's 86th minute winner.

Michael Duff's side finished 2022 in fourth position, and although nine points separate them from the automatic places, they do have two games in hand over the three teams above them.

The hosts head into Monday's game in impressive home form after winning their last five competitive games at Oakwell.

Encouragingly, they have scored at least two goals in all of those five consecutive home victories, while they have conceded just two goals in that period.

While Bolton have avoided defeat in each of their last four competitive matches, they have head into Monday's game off the back of two straight draws.

After their home meeting with Derby County finished goalless, Bolton played out a 1-1 draw against Lincoln in their final fixture of 2022.

Eoin Toal equalised in the 58th minute after Ben House had given Lincoln an early lead, and although Bolton played the majority of the second half with a one-man advantage following Joe Walsh's red card, they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The draw ensured Bolton finished 2022 in sixth place, with three points separating them from Barnsley, although they have played one game more than Monday's opponents.

Although Bolton have only won three of their 10 away league matches this season, they will be confident of at least picking up a point after losing just one of their last five away games.

Barnsley League One form:

W

W

W

W

D

W

Barnsley form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

D

W

Bolton Wanderers League One form:

D

W

D

L

W

D

Bolton Wanderers form (all competitions):

W

D

L

W

W

D

Team News

Barnsley are still without the services of Tom Edwards due to an injury issue, although they could welcome Josh Benson back to the matchday squad.

If Benson is fit enough to feature then he will have to settle for a place on the bench, with Duff expected to name an unchanged side.

Norwood will be looking to score in a third straight game when he partners Devante Cole in a front two on Monday.

As for the visitors, Ricardo Santos is close to returning to the matchday squad after missing the last five league games through illness.

Santos may be fit enough to feature to at least feature on the bench, and he could be joined by Gethin Jones, who has been sidelined for three matches with an injury issue.

After dropping down to the bench for the 1-1 draw against Lincoln, Kieran Lee and Jack Iredale could both return to the starting lineup.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Collins; Cundy, Andersen, Kitching; Williams, Phillips, Connell, Kane, Cadden; Cole, Norwood

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Toal, Aimson, Johnston; Bradley, Morley, Williams, Iredale; Lee; Charles, Afolayan

We say: Barnsley 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

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