Preview: Barnsley vs. Forest Green Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Michael Duff's men have slipped down the division and sit five points outside of the playoff places ahead of the game with 22nd-placed Rovers.

Match preview

October has been a tough month for the Reds as they have no wins - or goals - in their last four games and were beaten at home by Lincoln City on Tuesday night courtesy of Daniel Mandroiu's strike in first half stoppage time.

That followed a bitterly disappointing defeat against bottom-of-the-league Morecambe last weekend, so there is a fair amount of pressure resting on Duff's shoulders.

Fans are starting to turn on the manager, but are also blaming the summer's investment for the team's issues in recent weeks, with those on the terraces deeming the current crop of players not good enough to compete at the top of a strong third tier.

Barnsley's home form has left a lot to be desired, picking up just 10 points from a possible 21, winning just three of those games and scoring just eight goals at Oakwell - the fewest of any team in the top 10.

A return to winning ways will keep the pressure up on those above them, but would also keep the distance above Derby County and Lincoln who have the same amount of points but have played a game less than the Reds.

Forest Green picked up a point with the stalemate specialists Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night, after Harvey Bunker's first goal for the club was cancelled out by Callum Morton's effort with 20 minutes to go.

That result meant they are unbeaten in their last two games on the road, with a narrow defeat at home to Portsmouth sandwiched in between the Fleetwood game and a 2-2 draw at Port Vale two weeks ago.

Rovers have been slightly better on their travels this season, picking up seven of their 13 points away from home, but they have not tasted victory since the opening day success against Bristol Rovers.

The draw with Fleetwood had some positives, but they could have won the game had they been more adventurous after going ahead.

Defensive instability has been the main concern for Forest Green, conceding a league-high 33 goals - which includes 18 in their eight away games - and some fans are starting to question whether manager Ian Burchnall is the right man for the job.

Barnsley League One form:

W

W

L

D

L

L

Barnsley form (all competitions):

W

L

W

D

L

L

Forest Green Rovers League One form:

L

W

L

D

L

D

Forest Green Rovers form (all competitions):

W

L

D

W

L

D

Team News

Barnsley will hope to have Jordan Williams available again after the full-back missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, so he could return in place of Tom Edwards.

Nicky Cadden should start in midfield against his former team, as could Jack Aitchison, who was a substitute in the defeat to Lincoln.

Forest Green are missing Reece Brown, who is set to be out for a while with a serious hamstring injury, and fellow midfielder David Davis is also a doubt with a knee problem, and striker Matty Stevens remains out with a long-term knee injury.

Defender Bunker scored his first goal for the club against Fleetwood so should keep his place in the back three, and Armani Little could come in up front in place of Chelsea loanee Bryan Fiabema.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Collins; Cundy, Andersen, Kitching; Edwards, Kane, Benson, Cadden; Aitchison, Connell; Norwood

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:

Thomas; Bunker, Marques, Cargill; O'Keefe, Hendry, Peart-Harris, Stevenson, Boyes; Wickham, Little

We say: Barnsley 2-1 Forest Green Rovers

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