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Barnsley will take on Leeds U-21 at Oakwell Stadium on Tuesday for an exciting EFL Trophy group-stage encounter.
The Tykes enter this domestic cup fixture looking to turn around their poor form, with this game coming at the right time to gather momentum.
Meanwhile, the visiting young Whites will hope they can cause an upset using their recent form to boost their confidence.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Barnsley vs Leeds U-21 key stats
- Leeds U-21 have failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last seven games across all competitions.
- Barnsley have only lost once in their last four home games across all competitions.
- Leeds U-21 have not lost in their last three games across all competitions.
Barnsley vs Leeds U-21 preview: Hosts looking to snap winless run
Barnsley vs Leeds U-21 — Tale of the Tape
| Barnsley | vs | Leeds U-21 |
|---|---|---|
| 18th | Position | 9th |
| 8 | Points | 7 |
| 7 | Goals For | 11 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 9 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 16th/13th | Home / Away Rank | 5th/17th |
Barnsley head into this group-stage fixture looking to build further momentum after a few weeks of poor performances.
Their form has been inconsistent across the last seven league matches, with Barnsley recording two victories, two draws, and three defeats.
However, they ended their two-game losing streak in the league with a 1-1 home draw against Leicester City.
That result also snapped a three-match losing run across all tournaments, one of which saw them knocked out of the EFL Cup by Peterborough United on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Daniel Stendel’s team will be keen to build on their recent draw, return to winning ways, and turn it into a longer run of positives.
Leeds U-21, meanwhile, arrive in South Yorkshire facing a difficult test against a League One Barnsley side.
The visitors will be looking confident heading into this game, having remained unbeaten in their last three games across all competitions.
Their last two back-to-back Premier League 2 games have been impressive, with one win and one draw.
Their last success came in impressive fashion, with Leeds U-21 defeating Newcastle United U-21 2-0 at home.
However, their away form has been patchy, leaving Scott Gardner searching for a response from his young charges.
They have struggled to find consistency away from home, having just one win in their last six games across all competitions.
Despite their struggles, they have started gathering momentum in their last two away games since losing 1-0 to Charlton Athletic U-21 in the Premier League Cup, with one win and one draw.
They will therefore need a significant performance improvement to compete with Barnsley and take anything from this group-stage encounter.
Barnsley vs Leeds U-21 form guide & betting tips
| Barnsley | vs | Leeds U-21 |
|---|---|---|
WLLDD |
Form | LLWDW |
| 7 | Goals For | 10 |
| 13 | Goals Against | 9 |
NA |
EFL Trophy | NA |
Whispers predicts: Barnsley 3-1 Leeds U-21
Barnsley enter this cup game as favourites to win in their first EFL Trophy group-stage clash, and we predict a 3-1 victory for the hosts.
The home team hold a big advantage in this game based on their experience and the quality of their team.
They have also had a good home form, scoring seven times in their last four on their own turf, which could be an advantage and give them confidence for this clash.
Ahead of this clash, the bookmakers have tipped Barnsley to win at 1/4 (1.25) at Oakwell Stadium.
A draw is valued at 19/4 (5.75), while an away victory for Leeds U-21 is offered at 6/1 (7.00), making them the underdogs.
The market for over 2.5 goals is priced at 3/10 (1.30), and both teams to score (Yes) is available at 8/13 (1.61).
Also, the home team total goals (over 1.5) are at 2/9 (1.22), and a first-half draw is given at 2/1 (3.00).
> Barnsley to win at 1/4 (1.25) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 3/10 (1.30) | Likelihood: Possible
> First-half draw at 2/1 (3.00) | Likelihood: Probable
> Barnsley to score over 1.5 goals at 2/9 (1.22) | Likelihood: Possible