Barnsley (home)
- Barnsley may be the favorites to take the win at Oakwell on Monday, but Conor Hourihane’s team have not got their act together yet and are not yet strong enough to suggest that Lincoln will get out of this trip with nothing.
- Oakwell can be a lively place when the weather turns cold and heavy, and that could be in Barnsley’s favor on Monday when they take on Lincoln.
Lincoln (away)
- Lincoln are unbeaten in their last three League One games, including recent wins against Cardiff City and Barnsley.
- Lincoln have won both of their 2025 meetings with Barnsley, beating the Tykes 3-1 in League One and 2-0 in the EFL Trophy.
- Lincoln are one of the league’s most tactically disciplined teams with Michael Skubala’s system playing out like a well-rehearsed chess match.
- Skubala’s set-up is designed to overplay the ball and press in high places, where the Imps have an intensity and hunger to recover it.
- Sonny Bradley is a formidable presence in the air and Lukas Jensen has kept several shutouts in recent weeks and has the ability to make big stops when needed.
Head-to-Head
- Lincoln have won both of their 2025 meetings with Barnsley, beating the Tykes 3-1 in League One and 2-0 in the EFL Trophy.
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Recent meetings:
- 3-1 - Lincoln vs Barnsley (League One)
- 2-0 - Lincoln vs Barnsley (EFL Trophy)
Key Players
- Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is the danger man to watch as he provides them with explosive width, power and finish in the final third, scoring a brace in the 3-1 win over Barnsley earlier this month.
- Jack Moylan and Rob Street have added a few goals of late too, which makes them a multi-dimensional threat to Barnsley’s defense.
- Adam Phillips is a creative midfield engine for Barnsley who can score or assist.
- Davis Keillor-Dunn is a direct threat from deep, having scored in the reverse fixture.
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Players to watch:
- Reeco Hackett-Fairchild
- Adam Phillips
- Davis Keillor-Dunn
- Sonny Bradley
- Lukas Jensen
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers have made the hosts 2.46 favourites, with Lincoln at 2.74 and the draw priced at 3.35.
- Both Teams To Score is heavily favored at 1.53.
Prediction
- Backing Barnsley to edge out the victory, perhaps by a 2-1 score, looks the best play because of Hourihane’s side's need to kickstart their playoff push before Christmas.
- We’re expecting a close, high-energy game that could go either way.
