Huge clash in the race for the playoffs as Bournemouth host Barnsley

Bournemouth and Barnsley face off at the Vitality Stadium tomorrow in a huge game in the race for the playoffs. Barnsley sit in sixth place, two points ahead of Bournemouth with a potential victory putting them firmly in the driving seat in the playoff race with 11 games left to play.

Barnsley had the opportunity to jump into 5th ahead of Reading, but drew 0-0 in midweek against Derby. It was the end of their seven-game winning streak, although they are still 10 games unbeaten.  

Having survived relegation on the final day last season and being winless in their first seven games this season should only serve to exemplify what Valerien Ismael has achieved since his arrival in October.

With Barnsley coming up against the bottom two in their next two games – Wycombe and Sheffield Wednesday – this is their biggest game of the season so far and a good opportunity to keep Bournemouth at arms length in the hunt for the playoffs. 

Fortunes have been different on the south coast. The top six was the minimum expected following their relegation last season, but it hasn’t been plain sailing for the Cherries a they now sit in seventh. 

Woodgate has steadied the ship since Jason Tindall’s sacking, losing just two of his eight games so far. However, more is expected of a side boasting international talent. 

They’re currently unbeaten in their last three games and drew against Preston last weekend having squandered plenty of chances. They’ll need to be in top form against a Barnsley side who have conceded twice in their last six games. 

The Cherries have however scored in all but two of their home games this season, so Woodgate will be confident in getting a result against a side who have adopted a more direct-style of late. 

Should either side win this fixture, they will not only gain a huge three points, but a mental edge over their promotion rivals. 

Team news

Bournemouth will be without Lewis Cook, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in training and will miss the rest of the season. David Brooks is also absent with an ankle injury. 

Jack Stacey and Jack Wilshire could be handed recalls to the starting XI and Sam Surridge could return to the matchday squad following a toe injury.  

Valerian Ismael will be reluctant to make changes ahead of this huge clash. However, Romal Palmer could be rested with Herbie Kane getting more minutes. 

Carlton Morris could come in for Conor Chaplin following a flat performance in midweek against Derby. 

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