Barnsley vs Mansfield Town: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Based on recent forms from both sides, there seems to be nothing to separate the two teams at Oakwell. Barnsley have won three of their previous five, with Mansfield unbeaten in their last eight. This fixture will likely guarantee both teams to score, with the BTTS market having landed in eight of the previous ten fixtures for Barnsley & six of the last eight for Mansfield Town.

Adam Phillips for Barnsley and Will Swan for Mansfield Town are expected to contribute to their respective teams in this game. Adam Phillips recorded 17 goal contributions the previous season, with 0.5 shots on target. Will Swan scored nine goals last season, averaging 0.7 shots on target per game.

Josh Earl is likely to commit a foul in this game. Last season, Earl committed 1.3 fouls per game for Barnsley. For this game, we simply can’t split the two teams; hence, we think Barnsley and Mansfield Town will end 1-1.

Barnsley 1-1 Mansfield Town.

Football clubs up and down the country will hope to realise their ambitions this season as the new campaign approaches. Play-off hopefuls Barnsley will be hoping to make the next step as they host newly promoted Mansfield Town on the opening day.

Date: 09/08/2024

Location: Oakwell

Kick-Off: 8 pm

Barnsley entered the lottery of the play-offs last season and ultimately fell short once again. Barnsley fell to Bolton Wanderers, and this season, with the competition from the likes of Birmingham City and possibly the likes of Wrexham, the Tykes could find the top six difficult to grasp. Barnsley finished inside the top six last season despite ending the season on a horrific run of form. The Tykes were proficient in front of goal, scoring 82 goals, an average of 1.8 goals per game scored. Defensively, Barnsley’s woes at the back cost them a higher up in the league, as the Tykes conceded 64 in 46 - conceding on average 1.4 goals per game. Barnsley only kept ten clean sheets last season.

Mansfield Town secured promotion last season by finishing third in League Two behind big-hitters Stockport County and Wrexham. Based on the previous season's output, Mansfield will be one of the stronger promoted teams in recent seasons. The Stags recorded 86 points last season, winning 24, drawing 14 and losing only eight. Mansfield posted the best defence on record last season, conceding 47 in 46 - conceding one goal per game but recording 14 clean sheets. Attacking-wise, Mansfield was superb, scoring 90 goals with an average of two goals per game scored.

The game will be shown on Sky Sports +

Barnsley Team News

Barnsley lined up in a 3-5-2 in their game against Derby County, with Callum Styles expected to provide the width.

Mansfield Team News

Nigel Clough deploys a two-striker system, with three narrow midfielders to control the game.

Barnsley are without a clean sheet in their previous three, taking on an unbeaten side in their last eight following their promotion campaign. Barnsley’s home form has seen them lose two from their previous five, but only winning once. The home side’s last victory at Oakwell was a 4-3 win over Championship side Derby County in pre-season.

Based on the five games they played, Barnsley’s pre-season preparations were relatively successful, having won three, drawn once, and lost the remaining match. Barnsley scored three in consecutive games against Alfreton and Aldershot, along with the 4-3 win over Derby County. Conor Hourihane was on hand to score against his former club in the recent victory.

Barnsley ended the season on a terrible note, losing the play-off semi-final against Bolton Wanderers, in which their form was also in the same terrible vein. The Tykes ended their season with two wins in their last ten, ultimately enough to secure a top-six spot. Barnsley’s last competitive victory was the second leg of the play-off semi-final, where they beat Bolton 3-2 on the night. Sam Cosgrove was on hand with a brace, although his efforts were in vain as Bolton secured a route to Wembley.

Mansfield Town endured a successful pre-season, as the Stags were unbeaten in their three recognised pre-season fixtures. Nigel Clough’s side ended pre-season with two wins, against Oxford United from the Championship and Chelsea’s Under 21 side. A single goal from Davis Keillor-Dunn was enough to beat Oxford United in pre-season.

Nigel Clough’s men will be in great spirits heading into this season, hoping to carry the exact form heading into their League One campaign. Mansfield Town remained unbeaten in their final five league games to ensure their final promotion place. Mansfield’s away record last season ended on an average note of three wins in their previous seven, with their most recent victory being a tremendous 4-1 win over MK Dons.

• Latest match predictions
• Football tips
• Football accumulator tips
• Football bet of the day