- Barnsley FC have won two and lost three of their last five matches. Crewe Alexandra are unbeaten in four of their last five, winning twice and drawing twice. Barnsley FC are favourites to win, but the Railwaymen are in better form.
Widely differing styles should play out at Oakwell
Barnsley FC have hit their stride under Daniel Stendel with some high-pressing, high-tempo football that is likely to clash with Crewe Alexandra's more compact, midfield-led style this Tuesday night.
The Tykes will look to get men behind the ball, while the Railwaymen will look to make life difficult in the centre and pick their moments to press high. It is a classic clash of styles that should ensure an open, end-to-end game.
Stendel's Barnsley have had mixed results, with 2 wins and 3 defeats in their last 5 matches, but they have only one win, one draw and three defeats from five at home across all competitions. They have shipped 15 goals in these five home fixtures so Crewe will be licking their lips at the prospects of another free scoring affair.
Tykes are in good nick, but so are the Railmen
Crewe are in slightly better form, with Crewe unbeaten in four of their last five games and only losing once. They have one win and three defeats away from home across all competitions this season, scoring 0.75 goals and conceding 1.75 goals per game.
Barnsley are the clear favourites at 3/5 for this game, with Crewe priced at 19/5 and the draw at 16/5. Barnsley won the last head-to-head 3-0 at Oakwell in a home clean sheet in the FA Cup 2022/2023, which still gives them the bragging rights, but Crewe are in such good form that this cannot be a cakewalk.
Go for goals and both teams to score
The Tykes look the more likely winners, but Crewe are coming into this game in stronger nick than their hosts. Over 2.5 goals is 57/100 and both teams to score Yes is 31/50, so the market doesn't leave much scope for profit, but this should be an open, entertaining match. Adam Phillips has been Barnsley's spark plug over the last few weeks, having two of their four goals over their last five fixtures.
