Barnsley vs Sunderland Predictions

Barnsley continued to march towards automatic promotion at the weekend, as they recorded a simple win at this venue. Daniel Stendel’s men have won each of their last two, while they’re now unbeaten in 16 League One matches. Facing Sunderland, who drew away against Wycombe on Saturday afternoon, won’t be easy, though after their recent efforts, the Tykes will surely fancy themselves to come out on top.

There was once again little to criticise about Barnsley’s performance on Saturday; the Tykes offered plenty going forward, gave little away at the back and were simply better than their opponents in all areas. Given how easily Stendel’s men saw off Accrington, who recently went away to Sunderland and secured a draw, it’s not at all hard to see Tuesday’s hosts thriving.

For some time now, Barnsley have been just about the best in this division (alongside Luton) at delivering the goods on home soil. Stendel’s men have won seven of their last eight at Oakwell, while they remain unbeaten at this venue since dropping down to League One. They’re scored a respectable average of 1.57 goals at home this season, have conceded an average of 0.56, while they currently boast an average of 1.76 expected goals for and 0.92 against. The Tykes have also scored at least twice in seven of their last eight at home.

Sunderland were also starting to look like a very good side, though they went back to allowing their opponents to frustrate them at the weekend, as they drew 1-1 with Wycombe at Adams Park. The Chairboys, who were very physical right from the word go, didn’t allow the Black Cats any space to play, so it wasn’t easy, but the way in which Jack Ross’ men failed to create much until snatching a late equaliser was disappointing.

Fortunately, the visitors should be much more suited by the likely open nature of Tuesday’s fixture. Prior to Saturday’s disappointment, Ross’ men had started to look imperious in the final third; they’d scored ten goals in four games, were creating plenty of chances and were generally looking like chief promotion candidates.

Furthermore, when this pair met earlier in the season, Sunderland found it relatively easy to take advantage of the fact that Barnsley weren’t sitting back, as they clocked 2.29 expected goals for and scored four goals. The fact that they shipped 2.56 meant that they were lucky to win, though their attacking efforts were nonetheless impressive.

When on song, Barnsley and Sunderland, who average a combined 3.17 goals in their respective home and away games, are two of the divisions’ most capable attacking sides, so it’s somewhat surprising that ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ isn’t shorter in the early betting, especially given what happened when the teams met earlier in the campaign. Given that the pair created a considerable amount between them in the reverse fixture, coupled with the fact that neither have been short of goals in recent times, it’s difficult to avoid going in search of goals at what appears to be a tasty price.