Preview: Cheltenham Town vs. Barnsley - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, who sit in the League One playoff places, are unbeaten in five games, and they have the chance to record a third consecutive win.

Match preview

After failing to win the first seven league games of 2023, Cheltenham ended their long wait for a victory with a narrow 2-1 away win over Cambridge United last weekend.

Elliot Bonds gave the Robins the lead in the second half, before Cambridge's Joe Ironside restored parity from the penalty spot just four minutes later.

With 11 minutes remaining, James Olayinka netted a winning goal for Wade Elliott's side, which leaves them in 18th position - five points above the relegation zone.

Despite claiming an away victory last Saturday, Cheltenham have failed to win any of their last four home league matches.

Having failed to score in three of their previous four games at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium, Cheltenham need to find their shooting boots if they are to secure their first home league win since November 19.

Barnsley have claimed four victories in their five-game unbeaten league run, registering at least two goals in all of those wins.

In their most recent outing, brushed aside Port Vale via a 3-1 scoreline thanks to strikes from Luca Connell, Liam Kitching and Adam Phillips.

As a result of their impressive, form Barnsley occupy the final playoff position and are three points clear of seventh-place Wycombe Wanderers, who have played a game more.

The Tykes head into the weekend with the third-best away record in the division after picking up 25 points from their 15 away matches - only Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town have collected more points on their travels this season.

After beating Cheltenham 1-0 when the two sides met in August, Barnsley boss Michael Duff, who guided the Robins to promotion from League Two in the 2020-21 season, will have the chance to complete a league double over his former club.

Cheltenham Town League One form:

L

L

D

L

D

W

Barnsley League One form:

L

W

W

D

W

W

Team News

As for Cheltenham, they are unable to call upon the services of Lewis Freestone, Ben Williams, Will Ferry and Tom Bradbury.

Glen Rea joined the Robins on loan from Luton Town on the final day of the transfer window, but he is yet to link up with his new side as he continues his rehabilitation for a knee injury with his parent club.

After returning from injury to score against Cambridge last weekend, Bonds will retain his place in the side, but his fellow goalscorer, Olayinka, will remain on the bench, with Eliott expected to name an unchanged lineup.

As for the visitors, they are still expected to be without Josh Benson and Robbie Cundy due to injury issues.

Duff has indicated that Luke Thomas, who has been sidelined since October, could make his long-awaited return to the matchday squad, although he may only be fit enough to feature among the substitutes.

Phillips came off the bench at half time to get on the scoresheet last weekend, and his performance could earn him a recall to the starting lineup.

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:

Southwood; Long, Taylor, Raglan; Jackson, Bonds, Sercombe, Perry, Broom; May, Brown

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Isted; Williams, Thomas, Andersen, Kitching, Cadden; Phillips, Connell, Kane; Norwood, Cole

We say: Cheltenham Town 1-3 Barnsley

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