Barnsley vs Brighton Predictions

• Barnsley are unbeaten on home soil this season, winning their last three at Oakwell
• Brighton thrashed Oxford 6-0 in the previous round of the EFL Cup
• The Seagulls are aiming to reach the fourth round for the fifth time in six seasons

Seagulls to soar into fourth round

It has been an up and down start to the new season for Brighton, which was epitomised by Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the Premier League, a match where they had led 2-0.

However, the Seagulls should have no problems booking their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup for the fifth time in six seasons at the expense of League One Barnsley, especially if they come even close to matching the levels they produced in the previous round of the competition.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side were magnificent as they thrashed Championship Oxford 6-0 in round two and it is also worth noting they have won their last two meetings with Barnsley by a two-goal margin, albeit the most recent of those came in 2017.

Tykes can contribute to entertaining cup clash

Barnsley should keep this cup tie competitive, as they are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions, winning the last three.

Conor Hourihane’s side have, of course, not faced a team of Brighton’s quality during that time and they will come into this game on the back of Saturday’s 1-0 league loss at Blackpool.

The Tykes have scored in all six of their matches at Oakwell in 2025-26, while Brighton are without a clean-sheet in their last three. Those stats increase the likelihood of Barnsley getting on the scoresheet, but the visitors should still win with something to spare, bringing the 3-1 correct score into play.