Stevenagevs.Barnsley

Stevenage are ninth in the table, six points behind sixth-placed Oxford United, while Barnsley are fifth, six points ahead of seventh-placed Lincoln City in the battle to secure a playoff spot.

Match preview

Stevenage are bidding to make it back-to-back promotions, having secured their spot in the current League One campaign courtesy of a second-placed finish in the 2022-23 League Two table.

Steve Evans's side are in playoff contention at this late stage of the season, sitting ninth in the table, six points behind sixth-placed Oxford United on the same number of matches (42).

The Boro are without a victory in the league since the end of February, though, drawing five and losing three of their last eight games at this level of football, including a 1-0 defeat at Exeter City on Saturday.

Stevenage have hit a poor run of form at a vital stage of the season, and it could cost them in terms of a playoff position, but successive wins over Barnsley and Burton Albion in their next two fixtures on home soil would certainly boost their chances of finishing inside the top six.

Evans's team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Barnsley in the reverse match earlier this season, but they have only lost four times in front of their own supporters this term, picking up 32 points from 20 matches.

Barnsley, meanwhile, have picked up 74 points from their 41 league matches this season, which has left them in fifth position in the table.

The Tykes are six points ahead of seventh-placed Lincoln, with a game in hand, so they are in a strong position when it comes to finishing inside the playoffs.

Neill Collins's side will enter this match off the back of a 2-1 defeat at Charlton Athletic, which proved to be their second loss in their last three games, having also been beaten at home by Cambridge United on March 29.

Barnsley have the second-best away record in League One this season, securing 42 points from 20 matches, suffering only two defeats in the process, and they are aiming to make the playoffs for the second campaign in a row, having finished fourth last term.

The Tykes, who last played in the Championship during the 2021-22 campaign, were beaten 1-0 by Sheffield Wednesday in last season's League One playoff final, so they should be fired-up to go one better and secure a return to the second tier for next term.

Stevenage League One form:

L

L

D

D

D

L

Barnsley League One form:

L

W

D

L

W

L

Team News

Stevenage are set to be without the services of Luther James-Wildin, who was substituted in the early stages of the clash with Exeter, with Nathan Thompson therefore in line for a start at the back.

There could also be a start for Nick Freeman, who was introduced in the early stages of the second half on Saturday, with head coach Evans likely to make a couple of changes.

Stevenage need a victory at this stage of the campaign, and it is again set to be a three-man attack, with leading goalscorer Jamie Reid, who has 17 in League One this term, looking to score for the first time since February 10.

As for Barnsley, head coach Collins has no fresh injury concerns from the loss at Charlton in the capital.

Devante Cole has 17 League One goals to his name this season and will again feature in the final third of the field, with John McAtee also operating in an attacking area.

Barnsley have scored 39 times on the road in League One this term, which is the best away attacking record in the division, and it is again expected to be a 3-5-2 formation for the visitors on Tuesday.

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; N Thompson, Vancooten, Piergianni; Smith, Freeman, L Thompson, Butler; Reid, Roberts, Oliver

Barnsley possible starting lineup:

Roberts; De Gevigney, McCart, Earl; Williams, Phillips, Russell, Connell, Cadden; McAtee, Cole

We say: Stevenage 2-2 Barnsley

This has all of the makings of a fascinating clash, and we are expecting some goals on Tuesday. Both sides will be fired-up to pick up all three points, but we can see an entertaining contest finishing all square.

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