FLEETWOOD, H, DEC 29

This Thursday night fixture will bring to a close one of the toughest years in Barnsley’s recent history. But they will hope that they have continued to put the record-breaking relegation well behind them.

Scott Brown’s Cod Army may provide obdurate opposition.

Fleetwood have lost fewer games than the Reds but only the bottom three have fewer victories than their four from 19 matches, with their ten draws the most in English professional football. They are currently 17th.

This will be the first time this season the Reds play a second league fixture against an opponent, having won 1-0 at Fleetwood on October 1 thanks to a last-minute Jack Aitchison header.

After hosting Fleetwood, Barnsley are due to start 2023 at home to Bolton Wanderers on January 2.

They will then visit Derby in the FA Cup third round.

They complete their January fixtures with a trip to Charlton before a home game with Accrington – who they face for the second time in a month – a long midweek trip to Exeter City then a local derby with Sheffield Wednesday at Oakwell.