Barnsley and Mansfield Town will face off on Friday evening in the opening match of the League One season at Oakwell Stadium.
Both teams are eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note, with Barnsley looking to recover from last season's near-miss in the playoffs and Mansfield aiming to secure their place in the third tier after a lengthy absence.
Team Form
Barnsley
Barnsley had a mixed pre-season, with notable wins against Derby County and a loss against Roma.
The team has undergone significant changes, with Darrell Clarke taking over as head coach. Clarke brings a wealth of experience and a history of securing promotions, which Barnsley hopes to leverage this season.
Key additions to the squad include defender Marc Roberts from Birmingham City and midfielder Conor Hourihane from Derby County, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles.
Barnsley Pre-Season Form: WWLWL
Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town enjoyed a strong pre-season, remaining unbeaten in their fixtures. Their highlight was a 1-0 victory over Oxford United.
Managed by Nigel Clough, Mansfield has bolstered their squad with the signings of Australia international Keanu Baccus and veteran forward Lee Gregory.
Despite being tipped as one of the favourites for relegation, Mansfield’s solid pre-season form suggests they could surprise many in League One.
Mansfield Town Pre-Season Form: WWWDWW
Team News
Barnsley
Barnsley’s starting lineup is expected to closely resemble the one that secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Derby County.
New signings Jackson Smith, Marc Roberts, and Conor Hourihane are likely to start. Tottenham Hotspur loanee Matthew Craig may also feature.
Possible Starting XI: Smith; De Gevigney, Roberts, Earl; O'Keeffe, Connell, Hourihane, Phillips, Styles; Watters, Cosgrove
Mansfield Town
Mansfield is expected to field a similar team to the one that played against Grimsby Town in their final pre-season match.
Deji Oshilaja, signed from Burton Albion, will likely start in defense alongside Frazer Blake-Tracy. Lee Gregory might begin the match on the bench.
Possible Starting XI: Pym; Bowery, Flint, Oshilaja, Blake-Tracy; Baccus, Reed, S.Quinn; Boateng, Nichols, Akins
Prediction
Both teams are eager to start the season on the right foot, but Barnsley’s home advantage and the quality of their squad give them the edge.
While Mansfield’s pre-season form has been impressive, the experience and additions to Barnsley’s squad suggest they will come out on top in this competitive fixture.
Barnsley 
Mansfield 
