Barnsley vs Fulham. Sky Bet Championship.
Oakwell StadiumAttendance12,147.
Friday 26 January 2018 12:10, UK
Barnsley midfielder Gary Gardner is back in contention for his side's home game against Fulham.
On-loan Gardner was ineligible to face his parent club Aston Villa last week, but could return to the starting line-up. Winger Ryan Hedges could also return to the squad after overcoming a thigh injury and defender Adam Jackson (knee) is edging closer to a return to first-team action.
Midfielder Lloyd Isgrove (dead leg) and centre-half Angus MacDonald (illness) are still out as the Reds chase just their second win in 14 league matches.
Matt Targett will go straight into contention for Fulham after his arrival on loan from Southampton. Tom Cairney is also available to return, but Slavisa Jokanovic must decide whether or not he will start.
The manager regardless remains without the injured Floyd Ayite and Sheyi Ojo. Ayite could yet return next week from a hamstring injury, but the knock suffered by Ojo means he is likely to miss a further week.
Barnsley have won five of their last seven home league matches against Fulham (D1 L1), although they haven't won any of the most recent two, losing 4-2 last season.
The Cottagers have won four of their last five league games against the Tykes (D1).
Barnsley have managed only one goal in their last six home league games, their lowest goal tally in a six game period since March-April 2014.
Fulham have picked up 16 points from a possible 18 and scored 19 goals in their last six games, including a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich last time out.
The Tykes are without a win in their last six Championship games at Oakwell (D3 L3); only Burton Albion are on a longer winless streak at home in the division (10).
Since Christmas Day, Ryan Sessegnon has been directly involved in seven Championship goals (5 goals, 2 assists); two more than any other player in the competition.
Fulham are well and truly flying at the moment. Just like last season they had a slow start to the campaign and now they're right in the mix for the play-offs.
A victory at Barnsley, who have not won at home since November, would send Slavisa Jokanovic's side into the top six. The Tykes haven't been on a great run themselves and it's hard to see them getting a result here. Away win for me.
David Prutton predicts: 0-2 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
