Prediction: Barnsley vs Bournemouth

Verdict: Bournemouth win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Championship table, Bournemouth will make the trip to Oakwell when they face off against Barnsley on Saturday afternoon.

Barnsley

Starting with the hosts, while Barnsley might have shocked many as they secured a play-off spot last season, the Tykes have drastically failed to keep up that momentum this time around. In the midst of what has become a Championship nightmare under Poya Asbaghi, the Yorkshire-based outfit appear to be freefalling their way down to League One. Last seen earlier in the week getting hit with a 3-0 drumming away at top-six contenders Nottingham Forest, Barnsley find themselves sat eight points adrift of safety. Failing to bounce back from what could turn out to be a crucial 2-1 loss away at fellow strugglers Birmingham last weekend, Saturday’s hosts have failed to land a single Championship victory since the start of November. Likewise, it should also be noted, Asbaghi’s squad have remarkably recorded just a pair of second-tier wins throughout the 2021/22 campaign. With their action-packed FA Cup success against Barrow on January 8th just a minor boost, Barnsley could be in for another tough test here.

Team News

In what is a real injury blow for Barnsley, attacking talisman Cauley Woodrow could miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Likewise, the duo of Aapo Halme and Obbi Oulare should once again miss out this weekend as they deal with long-term issues.

Bournemouth

As for the visitors, while Bournemouth might have found an immediate boost when bringing in Scott Parker last summer, the Cherries also find themselves in the midst of a recent struggle. Hit with a shock 1-0 loss at home against relegation outsiders Hull last time out and now suffering back-to-back Championship defeats, the former Fulham boss has also seen his side come tumbling out of the top-two. Desperate to try and find some stability since opening the New Year, Saturday’s guests have won just a trio of their last 12 matchups across all formats, a run that stems all the way back to November 6th. However, smelling a real chance to find a boost when they make the trip to Oakwell this weekend, Bournemouth should be boosted by an eye-catching record against the Championship strugglers. Landing a thumping 3-0 win when they welcomed Barnsley to the Vitality for their reverse meeting, they have won four of their last five meetings against the Yorkshire outfit.

Team News

After featuring at the AFCON with Zimbabwe, full-back Jordan Zemura could come back in at Oakwell this weekend.

However, fellow defender Adam Smith still remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Saturday’s opponents last faced off at the Vitality on September 11th, Bournemouth picked up a 3-0 romp.
• Likewise, the Cherries have won four of their last five meetings against Barnsley.
• Barnsley have remarkably recorded just a pair of wins from any of their 26 Championship so far this season.
• Bournemouth have won just a trio of their last 12 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to the start of November.
• Saturday’s hosts have managed to score just a single goal from any of their last four Championship contests at Oakwell.

Conclusion

While Bournemouth might be in the midst of what has been a worrying run of form, there is no doubt that the Cherries will be smelling a golden chance to Oakwell this weekend. Hoping to try and find a route back into the top-two, Parker’s men will be looking to cash in on a Barnsley side in the midst of a real nightmare. With the Tykes recording just a pair of wins throughout the 2021/22 campaign, Saturday’s hosts appear to be freefalling their way down to League One. It should be noted, landing a thumping 3-0 win when the two sides faced off at the Vitality back on September 11th, Bournemouth have also won four of their last five meetings against the leading relegation scrappers. Two sides battling it out at opposite ends of the Championship table, an away win still appears at attractive odds here.

Verdict: Bournemouth win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet