Match Preview: Barnsley vs Shrewsbury Town
Date: Saturday, 26 April 2025
Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Oakwell Stadium
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Barnsley | L L W L D | 4 |
| Shrewsbury | L L D L L | 1 |
Barnsley: Just one win in their last five, but they’ve at least found the net consistently, scoring 11 in that time.
Shrewsbury: Rock-bottom and already relegated, the Shrews limp into this one having not won any of their last five.
Statistical Breakdown
| League Position | 12th | 24th |
| Goals Scored (Last 5) | 11 | 3 |
| Goals Conceded (Last 5) | 12 | 11 |
| BTTS % (Last 5 Games) | 100% | 60% |
| Avg Goals/Game (H2H) | 2.67 | 2.67 |
| H2H Record (Last 9) | W6 D1 L2 | W2 D1 L6 |
| Home Form | Poor | N/A |
| Away Form | N/A | Very Poor |
| PPG at Home/Away (2024/25) | 1.18 (Home) | 0.55 (Away) |
- Barnsley have scored in each of their last 8 games.
- Shrewsbury have lost 28 league matches this season.
- BTTS has landed in 56% of their previous meetings.
The Opponent: Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town arrive in South Yorkshire knowing their fate is sealed. Relegation confirmed, bottom of the table, and a squad low on belief — it's been a miserable campaign. The Shrews have only scored three goals in their last five games, and they've failed to win any of those, losing four.
Michael Appleton’s men haven’t travelled well either, picking up just two wins from 22 games on the road. With John Marquis leading the line and hitting double digits for the season, there is still some threat — but his supporting cast has struggled badly.
They'll be playing for pride here. That could make them dangerous... or completely deflated.
Team News
Barnsley:
Stephen Humphrys remains out. Jalo is expected to miss the last two games of the season, which could see Max Watters step in. Joe Gauci returned in goal against Peterborough and should retain his spot.
Expected XI:
Gauci; De Gevigney, Roberts, Earl; Lembikisa, Connell, Russell, Cotter; Phillips; Keillor-Dunn, Watters
Shrewsbury:
Castledine, Shipley, Oliver and Gape remain unavailable. Marquis and Lloyd should continue up top. Morgan Feeney is touch and go for a defensive return.
Expected XI:
Blackman; Hoole, J. Feeney, Pierre, Benning; Perry, Gilliead, Biggins; Wheeler; Lloyd, Marquis
Tactics and Key Battles
Barnsley should dominate possession and look to pin Shrewsbury deep, using width from Lembikisa and Cotter to stretch the game. Connell and Russell’s midfield control will be vital in feeding Keillor-Dunn and Watters.
Shrewsbury may go for a compact shape and aim to frustrate, then counter through Marquis and Lloyd. Their vulnerability down the flanks could be where the Reds find most joy.
Given the trends, BTTS seems likely — but Barnsley should have the firepower to pull away if they get the first goal.
Prediction
Barnsley have scored in 8 straight games and have plenty more to play for emotionally, if not mathematically. Shrewsbury are simply limping to the finish line.
Prediction: Barnsley 3 – 1 Shrewsbury Town
Final Thoughts
It’s not the dream ending anyone imagined, but this is still Oakwell’s send-off for the season. Three points here would lift the gloom a little and give Conor Hourihane’s side something to build from. For the fans, it’s a final chance to be heard before the summer rebuild begins.
Come on you Reds!