Barnsley will take on Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup first round this week, with both teams looking to progress to the second round, where several Premier League teams will enter the competition.
Both teams have started their respective league seasons immaculately, with Barnsley winning both of their opening League One fixtures and Fleetwood doing the same in League Two.
As part of this week's round of Carabao Cup betting tips, check out our Barnsley vs Fleetwood prediction below.
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Barnsley vs Fleetwood prediction: A score draw is on the cards
Key stats
- Barnsley have scored two or more goals in each of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Fleetwood have lost their last three away Carbao Cup ties.
- Both teams have scored in every competitive match they've played this season.
Correct score prediction: Barnsley 2-1 Fleetwood
While both teams have a 100% record in the league so far, it's important to acknowledge that Barnsley are doing it at a higher level than Fleetwood. The hosts have already beaten Plymouth, a team that played in the Championship last season, while Fleetwood's only other away game this season was against Barnet, a team that were in the National League last season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts are narrow favourites
- HOME: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
- DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- AWAY: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.1%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Barnsley vs Fleetwood odds suggest that the visitors have their work cut out on Wednesday if they want to make it through to the next round of the competition. Ladbrokes have made Barnsley the firm favourites, giving them a 57.9% chance of winning inside 90 minutes, while Fleetwood have been given just a 23.1% chance of victory.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions for the week ahead.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Barnsley
Barnsley hold a significant advantage over Fleetwood in the H2H stakes. The Tykes have won five of their last six matches against the Fishermen and are unbeaten across their last nine. Fleetwood's most recent triumph over Barnsley came back in October 2015, when they were both competing in League One.
England League 1 17/02/24
Fleetwood Town
Barnsley
England League 1 28/10/23
Barnsley
Fleetwood Town
England League 1 29/12/22
Barnsley
Fleetwood Town
England League 1 01/10/22
Fleetwood Town
Barnsley
England League 1 13/04/19
Barnsley
Fleetwood Town
Barnsley preview: A chance for some fringe players
It may only be early in the season, but Barnsley manager, Conor Hourihane, is expected to take the opportunity to rest several key players for this match, including his skipper, Luca Connell. In erms of injuries, Marc Roberts will miss out after picking up a knock in the win over Plymouth on the opening weekend of the season.
Predicted lineup: Mahoney (GK), Bland, Gevigney, Earl, Ogbeta, Russell, Yoganathan, Phillips, Vickers, Phillips, Keillor-Dunn, Cleary
England League 1 03/05/25
W
Reading
2
Barnsley
4
England League 1 26/04/25
L
Shrewsbury
2
Barnsley
1
England League 1 21/04/25
D
Peterborough
1
Barnsley
1
England League 1 18/04/25
L
Leyton Orient
4
Barnsley
3
England League 1 12/04/25
W
Bolton
1
Barnsley
4
Fleetwood preview: Taking it seriously
While their opponents will rest players on Tuesday night, Fleetwood are expected to go all out for the win, given that it would be a scalp over a team in a higher division. The only injury to report is to Toby Mullarkey, after he was forced off early at the weekend.
Predicted lineup: Lynch (GK), Potter, Bolton, Medley, Rooney, Neal, Bonds, Hume, Helm, Evans, Norwood
England League 2 03/05/25
L
Bradford
1
Fleetwood Town
0
England League 2 26/04/25
W
Newport County
0
Fleetwood Town
2
England League 2 21/04/25
L
Harrogate Town
3
Fleetwood Town
1
England League 2 18/04/25
D
Barrow
0
Fleetwood Town
0
England League 2 12/04/25
L
Chesterfield
3
Fleetwood Town
0
Player to watch: Reyes Cleary
Barnsley signed Reyes Cleary from Championship side West Brom this summer with the belief that the 21-year-old can go up a gear or two in the third tier of English football. Cleary spent last season on loan at non-league side Hartlepool, where I only managed six goals. Have Barnsley taken an unnecessary risk, or will he prove to be a shrewd signing?