Match Preview: Leyton Orient vs Barnsley

Date: Friday, 18 April 2025
Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Brisbane Road
Competition: EFL League One

Barnsley hit the road to Brisbane Road on Friday, facing a confident Leyton Orient side desperate to continue their playoff push. After last weekend’s resounding 4-1 win against Bolton, spirits are cautiously optimistic among the travelling Reds faithful, hoping their team can deliver a spirited performance and build momentum heading into the final stages of the season.

The Opponent

Leyton Orient sit tantalisingly close to playoff contention, positioned seventh in League One and just three points off sixth-placed Reading. Richie Wellens' men have been impressive recently, securing successive victories against Mansfield Town and Crawley Town. Star forward Charlie Kelman, with a superb 23 goals this campaign, is undoubtedly their standout threat. Supported by the creativity of Jamie Donley and Blackburn loanee Dilan Markanday, Orient offer a formidable attacking proposition, although vulnerabilities remain at the back which Barnsley must exploit.

Form Guide (Last 6 matches)

7	Leyton Orient	6	4	1	1	+5	13
15	Barnsley	6	1	2	3	-3	5

Team News

Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane heads into this fixture buoyed by a relatively clean bill of health. Young goalkeeper Kieren Flavell continues between the sticks despite Joe Gauci’s recent return to training. After netting twice last weekend, Fabio Jalo looks certain to retain his spot up front alongside top scorer Davis Keillor-Dunn. Max Watters and Josh Benson, who have recently resumed training, could provide late boosts, though their participation remains uncertain.

Leyton Orient are likely to remain unchanged from their recent victories. With Kelman spearheading their attack, expect consistency in their selection as they chase crucial points.

Predicted Line-ups

Leyton Orient: Keeley; Clare, Beckles, Edmonds-Green, Currie; Williams, Markanday, Brown, Donley, Abdulai; Kelman.

Barnsley: Flavell; Bland, Roberts, McCarthy, Earl; Phillips, Connell, Russell; Jalo, Keillor-Dunn, Humphrys.

Statistical Breakdown

• Head-to-Head (Last 5 meetings): Leyton Orient Wins: 1 | Draws: 2 | Barnsley Wins: 2
• Goals per Match: Leyton Orient (Home): 1.62 | Barnsley (Away): 1.52
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Occurred in 40% of previous fixtures
  
  

Tactics and Key Battles

Orient's attacking prowess presents a challenge for Barnsley’s defence, particularly Charlie Kelman, who must be closely marshalled by Roberts and McCarthy. Central midfield could become a battleground, with Connell and Russell crucial in disrupting Orient’s rhythm. Barnsley will look to use the pace of Jalo and creativity of Keillor-Dunn to exploit any defensive lapses, especially on quick counter-attacks.

Prediction

While optimism among Barnsley fans has grown following last weekend's dominant performance, Leyton Orient's current form and home advantage might prove decisive. Expect a closely contested fixture with Orient perhaps edging a tight encounter.

Score Prediction: Leyton Orient 2-1 Barnsley

Final Thoughts

Although playoff aspirations are no longer on the cards for the Reds, ending the season positively remains essential. Fans travelling to Brisbane Road will expect passion, determination, and an attacking intent, which could set the foundations for a stronger campaign next season.

Come on you Reds!