Match Preview: Barnsley vs Cambridge United
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Oakwell Stadium
Competition: EFL League One
Setting the Scene
Barnsley return to Oakwell on Saturday afternoon, facing relegation-threatened Cambridge United in a must-win fixture for both sides – albeit for very different reasons. The Reds, under interim boss Conor Hourihane, are looking to salvage any remaining hopes of a late play-off push, while Cambridge find themselves staring League Two football in the face, 13 points adrift of safety.
Despite their own struggles, Barnsley are still favourites here, particularly given Cambridge’s abysmal away record. But recent form has been patchy for the Tykes, and with confidence low following three straight defeats, nothing can be taken for granted.
Recent Form
| Barnsley | W W W L L | 1.41 | 10th |
| Cambridge Utd | W L L L L | 0.78 | 23rd |
Team News
Barnsley
The Reds have been hit by injuries, particularly in defence. Marc Roberts (concussion) is ruled out, while Fabio Jalo and Donovan Pines are back in training and could feature. Goalkeeper Jackson Smith remains sidelined, meaning academy graduate Kieren Flavell will continue between the sticks after making his full debut last weekend.
Likely XI: Flavell; De Gevigney, Pines, McCarthy; Benson, Russell, Connell, O'Keeffe; Phillips, Keillor-Dunn; Watters.
Cambridge United
Cambridge are also dealing with an injury crisis. Key players such as Gary Gardner, Korey Smith, Zeno Ibsen Rossi, and Danny Andrew are all unavailable, severely limiting Harris' options. They are likely to set up defensively, hoping to frustrate Barnsley and snatch a rare away result.
Likely XI: Bishop; Gibbons, Morrison, Watts, Malone; Brophy, Cousins, Digby, Stokes; Ballard, Loft.
Key Battles
- Davis Keillor-Dunn vs. Michael Morrison – Keillor-Dunn remains Barnsley’s most consistent attacking threat and will need to break down a Cambridge backline anchored by the vastly experienced Morrison.
- Kieren Flavell vs. Cambridge Attack – The young Barnsley keeper will need to stay composed, especially if Cambridge adopt a physical approach with Loft up top.
- Midfield Scrap: Connell & Russell vs. Digby & Cousins – Barnsley’s midfield duo have struggled for consistency, and they’ll need to dictate the tempo here against Cambridge’s more functional pairing.
Statistical Analysis
| Points Per Game | 1.17 | 0.53 |
| Goals Scored Per Game | 1.39 | 0.78 |
| Goals Conceded | 1.01 | 1.89 |
| BTTS % | 62% | 43% |
| Clean Sheets | 20% | 16% |
What’s at Stake?
For Barnsley, this is a ‘must-win’ if they are to keep any faint play-off hopes alive. Nine points adrift of sixth, anything less than three points would likely confirm another season in League One.
For Cambridge, it’s desperation mode. Their chances of survival are already slim, and another defeat would edge them ever closer to the drop. Neil Harris has urged his players to fight for pride, but whether they have enough quality remains to be seen.
Prediction
While Barnsley’s form has been inconsistent, this fixture is a golden opportunity to return to winning ways. Cambridge’s poor away record, coupled with their lack of goals, suggests the Reds should have enough – provided they can break their own attacking slump.
Score Prediction: Barnsley 2-0 Cambridge United