Barnsley vs Walsall Betting Tips & Predictions

Barnsley go into the playoffs hoping to complete a fairy tale that Leicester City would be proud. The Tykes were at the foot of the table for a large part of the early season, but seven wins in a row saw them climb out of the doldrums and has Barnsley fans dreaming of the club winning a place in the Championship once again. Tykes boss Paul Heckingbottom will feel his side have timed their ascension into the playoffs well and knows his side will still carry confidence from the last time they met their playoff opponents. Barnsley ran out 3-1 victors that day and they also claimed the scalp of champions Wigan in their last game. The form of top scorer Sam Winnall will be vital to Barnsley’s chances if they are to progress, the 25-year-old striker has 21 goals this term.

Walsall go into the playoffs on a bit of a sour note after they were unable to catch Burton Albion for the last automatic promotion place on the final day of the season. The Saddlers knew that they only stood an outside chance as they were three points off Burton so any result for their rivals would see them promoted. This didn’t stop Walsall doing what they needed to do however, as they smashed Port Vale 5-0. That result means that it’s three wins in a row since they were put to the sword in a 4-0 defeat by playoff rivals Bradford. With 10 goals in the last three games the Saddlers look to have decided that attack is the best form of defence. Walsall can also take comfort in their playoff record, they have been promoted in two of the three playoffs they’ve qualified for.

Both of these sides ended the season well and will be full of confidence as they try and get through to Wembley. Walsall boss Jon Whitney has already declared his intention to go on the attack but he will have to be wary of his side getting caught on the break. I think both sides have the capability to score in this match and as there isn’t much to seperate them for the outright win I think the value will be backing both teams to score which is available at 3/4 with Betfair. I don’t think there will be much to seperate these two and neither side will want to be out of the tie when the second leg comes around, so in terms of a correct score I think a 1-1 draw, which is available at 11/2 with Betfair, is fairly likely.