League One preview and odds: Barnsley vs. Port Vale

Published on: 12/11/2015

League One preview and odds: Barnsley vs. Port Vale

November 14, 2015 15:00pm - Oakwell

League One

Two teams from the lower reaches of League One will battle it out on Saturday as free-falling Barnsley welcome an inconsistent Port Vale side to Oakwell.

Barnsley on losing streak

Barnsley are on a seven-game losing streak in the league and have won just two out of their last 13 matches. As a result, they have made rapid descent down the league table and are now languishing in 22nd place just a point above the bottom-placed team. They have now lost more games than any other team in the league with a total of 10 defeats to their name.

After getting dumped out of the FA Cup by Vanarama National League club Altringham in the FA Cup last weekend, the Tykes enjoyed a rare moment of positivity when they defeated York City in the Football League trophy in midweek.

Thanks to their awful league form, manager Lee Johnsons position has been called into question, but the former Oldham boss still remains in charge. A win against Port Vale this weekend could give fans a spark of hope heading into the winter period.

Port Vale slide halted last week

Port Vale broke a four-game winless streak in the league with victory over Shrewsbury Town last time out. However, they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to National League South team Maidenhead United in the FA Cup last week, adding a replay to their already tight fixture list.

After a decent start to the season, Rob Pages men have been on a slow decline but are still hanging on to mid-table status going into this weekends game. Defeat to Barnsley could see the Vale dragged even closer to the relegation zone.

Team news

Barnsleys problems on the field have not been helped by injuries to key players with players such as Conor Hourihane, Ryan Williams and Marley Watkins all missing out in recent games. To ease the burden, the club has brought in Adam Hammill and Ivan Toney on short-term deals. Watkins will be missing again this week through suspension after picking up a total of five yellow cards this season.

Port Vale are without winger Enoch Andoh who is missing long-term with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.

Recent form (League)

Barnsley: LLLLL

Port Vale: WLLDL

Betting odds and tips

Barnsley will be boosted by the short-term return of former favourite Adam Hammill however, the player has been out of action for several months and may not be ready to feature.

The visit of Port Vale could offer the home side a chance to break their losing streak. The Valiants have only won once on the road this term and have lost five of their last six away games in the league.

A first home win in four for hosts can be backed at a price of 8/5 with Betfred.

Published on: 12/11/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/11/2015 14:43:33) but are subject to change.