Barnsley vs Leeds Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

It’s many years since either Barnsley or Leeds have looked as strong as they do now. Both clubs are in the top ten and with over half the season gone, they are good value for their current standing. Overall though Leeds look the stronger all-round unit and are playing with such confidence right now that they are well capable of coming here and winning.

Gary Monk’s side have won 6 of their last 7 matches and if this form holds for much longer, they could even start to put pressure on the top two, which looked well beyond Leeds at the start of the campaign. Their away record is good, with 50% of their matches away from Elland Road ending in victory, including 4 of their last 6 in the Championship. Defensively they are very solid with just 0.92 goals per game conceded this season.

Meanwhile at the other end, Chris Wood provides them with genuine cutting edge up front. The 25 year old has netted 14 Championship goals already, more than he managed in the whole of the last campaign. He has 7 goals in his last 10 league appearances which includes 3 in Leeds’ last 2 Championship fixtures. Given that, backing Wood to score anytime at 6/5 looks to offer value here.

Wood could prove the difference, especially given Barnsley have just sold their most dangerous striker Sam Winnall. He netted 11 league goals for the Tykes in what is their first season back at this level but a January move to Sheffield Wednesday means Barnsley must look for alternative sources for goals. There have been several of those in fairness but one of them, captain Conor Hourihane, could also be on his way out with Wednesday and Villa interested in the midfielder.

The possible departure of the Irishman could be an even bigger blow and perhaps all the transfer speculation has had an effect on Barnsley in recent weeks as they’ve only won 1 of their last 5 games and were dumped out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition in midweek. They average 1.46 points per game at home, which is only the 15th best home record in the division and at times they have appeared more comfortable on the road.

In a season where the stars seem to have aligned for a genuine Leeds promotion push, this could also be a good time to go to Oakwell and backing Leeds to win at 6/5 looks to offer value.