The Tykes currently sit in fifth place, five points ahead of Neil Crtichley’s side, but are without a win in their last four games. A victory for the Seasiders would see their faint play-off hopes survive for another week ahead of their final outing of the campaign away to Reading.
Oxford United and Lincoln City are also ahead of the Fylde Coast club heading into this season’s penultimate round of fixtures. The U’s currently sit on 73 points, while the Imps are on 71, compared to Blackpool’s 70, with both clubs also having a superior goal difference.
During the first half of last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Carlisle United, George Byers was forced off through a groin injury and replaced by Albie Morgan- who went down holding his knee in the latter stages of the game in only his second outing since returning from a spell on the sidelines. Meanwhile, captain Ollie Norburn has missed the last three matches due to a swollen ankle, with his last appearance being the Easter Monday stalemate against Wycombe Wanderers.
Here’s our predicted Seasiders XI and bench to take on Barnsley:
1. Who will start for Blackpool?
Blackpool welcome Barnsley to Bloomfield Road on the back of three consecutive 1-0 victories. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
2. GK: Dan Grimshaw
Dan Grimshaw has kept 18 clean sheets in total in League One this season, and has been crucial for the Seasiders in the last few weeks, making a number of big saves. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
3. CB: Matthew Pennington
Matthew Pennington has proven to be a great addition for the Seasiders, with a number of solid performances under his belt as part of the back three. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
4. CB: Marvin Ekpiteta
Marvin Ekpiteta has firmly cemented his place at the heart of Blackpool's back three in the last few months. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
5. CB: James Husband
James Husband has looked good since making his return from injury against Fleetwood in Blackpool's last home game. The defender's presence on the field is clear to see. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
6. RWB: Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel
After a few games being back on the bench, Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel is due a return to the starting XI. The ex-Nottingham Forest youngster has been the Seasiders best option on the right side in 2024. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker