‘It looks more and more likely Barnsley will have to settle for the play-offs’
What’s left: Burton (A), Charlton (A), Stevenage (A), Reading (H), Portsmouth (A), Blackpool (A), Northampton (H).
How it started: After last season’s disappointment in the League One play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday, the aim was promotion - ideally automatic. But after head coach Michael Duff left for Swansea, followed by the entirety of the starting back three, most fans would have accepted going up via the play-offs.
How it’s going: Neill Collins couldn’t have asked for a better start than the 7-0 thumping of Port Vale on the opening day, but since then the home form has been generally mediocre. At one point in recent weeks they looked front runners for the top two, but a disappointing 5-1 defeat against Lincoln City and a 0-0 draw against Cheltenham has dampened spirits.
Gut feeling: Unfortunately the top two looks like it’s becoming out of reach. The game against Cheltenham was the perfect chance for the Reds to pounce with the top four facing each other.
But a goalless draw now leaves them seven points behind Derby. It looks more and more likely
Barnsley will have to settle for the play-offs.
Star and saviour: Luca Connell missed the first few months of the season through injury and he was a big miss in the centre of midfield. He’s capable of chipping in with both goals and assists and the fans probably haven’t seen the best of him yet this season.
Worry lines: Barnsley have perhaps the best away form in the league this season, losing only once to Derby back in November. However, the same can’t be said about their home form. Fortunately, five of the last eight games are away from Oakwell in the run-in and if the season so far has anything to go by that’s where they’ll pick up their points.
The defence, which started the season well, has started to become quite leaky and with January signing Donovan Pines currently out they’ll need to sure up the backline if they want promotion.
Top scorer Devante Cole also hasn’t scored since the 1-1 draw with Bolton on February 2 - so they’ll need him to start firing again if they’re to push on.