Barnsely will go head-to-head with Sheffield Wednesday later today in the final League One play-off final of the season.
Michael Duff’s side come into the game after defeating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
As for Wednesday, they secured a dramatic win against Peterborough United in the other semi-final.
After going 4-0 in the first leg, Darren Moore’s side took the tie to penalties as they won 5-1 against the Posh after extra time. Wednesday went on to win 5-3 in the shootout and book their place in today’s final.
Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the League One play-off final between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.
Barnsley secured their place in the final after defeating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on aggregate
Sheffield Wednesday booked their place in the final after beating Peterborough in the other semi-final
When is Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday?
Barnsley’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday will take place this afternoon, with kick off at 3pm.
The clash between the two sides will take place at Wembley Stadium.
Wednesday fans may not be confident heading into the game. The club have lost three of their last five meetings against Barnsley.
The two teams last met back in March, with Duff’s side running out 4-2 winners against Wednesday.
Devante Cole is Barnsley’s top scorer this season, with 16 goals in all competitions. The forward has only scored four goals in his last 10 games for the side.
Michael Smith is Wednesday’s top scorer this season, with 20 goals in all competition. The Englishman has scored five goals in as many games for Moore’s side.
Devante Cole (left) and Michael Smith (right) will go head-to-head later this afternoon
How to watch
Today’s match between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage getting underway at 2pm.
The game between the two teams will also be streamed on the Sky Go app.
Highlights will be uploaded to the official Sky Go YouTube channel after the game.
Mail Sport will also be providing live coverage of Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday so you can keep up-to-date with all the latest developments here.
This afternoon’s clash between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday will take place at Wembley
Team news
Barnsley are se to have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the game.
Top scorer Cole is expected to lead the line from the off along with Slobodan Tedic.
Adam Phillips is set to feature in midfield with Herbie Kane and Luca Connell.
As for Wednesday, Moore revealed that he hopes to have Marvin Johnson and Dominic Iorfa available.
The pair looked in slight discomfort towards in the end of the semi-final second leg tie against Peterborough.
George Byers is in line to return to the squad having not played a game since March. The midfielder has been suffering from a hamstring injury. While Byers is in contention to make the trip up to Wembley, it is unlikely that he will start from the off.
Predicted Barnsley XI (3-5-2): Isted; Thomas, Kitching, Andersen; Williams, Kane, Phillips, Connell, Cadden; Cole, Tedic
Predicted Sheffield Wednesday XI (3-4-1-2): Dawson; James, Ihiekwe, Iorfa; Patterson, Bannan, Palmer, Johnson; Windass; Gregory, Smith
Barnsley’s Slobodan Tedic is expected to lead the line from the off along with Devante Cole
Dominic Iorfa (left) is expected to be fit for the game after suffering a slight issue against Peterborough
What’s been said?
Heading into the game, Duff revealed that his side will likely be the underdogs.
‘If you look at the betting odds we’ll be the underdogs. It’s not me trying to create a narrative,’ Duff said at his pre-match press conference.
‘They are the facts. They finished on 96 points. God knows how many goals they’ve scored, loads of clean sheets, 23 games unbeaten. Look what they’ve done after the first leg. But, they’re in a one-off game with us now.
‘The positive is that we know we can hurt them. I’ve said it before, going into the play-off games people talking about momentum – that didn’t worry me. I’ve seen my team train and work every day. We think we know what we’re going to get, hopefully someone can step up and be the hero.’
Michael Duff believes that his side will be underdogs heading into this afternoon’s final
Darren Moore is hoping that the fans will get behind the team in today’s final against Barnsley
As for Wednesday, Moore gave his thoughts on what promotion could mean for the fans.
‘That’s what we are in football for. For me, the biggest component all the time has been the fans,’ Moore said at his pre-match press conference.
‘The key to this is our fans. The consistency, level and volume of support they’ve shown has always been there.
‘They’ve driven us up until now and I’m going to ask them again to continue to do that and let’s approach this game together.’
Odds
Barnsley to win – 21/10
Sheffield Wednesday to win – 13/10
Sheffield Wednesday to win each half and Sheffield Wednesday to have the most corners in each half – 33/1
All odds via Paddy Power and correct at the time of publication.
Sheffield Wednesday will hope the win against Peterborough can inspire them this afternoon
Prediction
Despite Barnsley getting the better of Wednesday in the last meeting, Moore’s side will be confident heading into the game.
Following their dramatic comeback win against Peterborough, Wednesday will likely come out guns blazing this afternoon. If they can get Smith involved in the game early, it could be a long day for Barnsley.
While Barnsley finished 10 points behind today’s opponents in the final league standings this season, their previous results against Wednesday will certainly give them hope.
With Cole and Tedic set to start up top for the side today, the pair are more than capable of causing havoc for Wednesday’s defence.
Prediction: 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday
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