Cambridge United vs Barnsley Prediction: Tykes can find away win

Cambridge United had an abysmal start to the campaign and still remain in the bottom four of League 1, but three wins on the bounce gave them a shot in the arm, before they were brought back down to earth with a 6-1 loss to Peterborough United. 

They return home to face Barnsley at the Cledara Abbey Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 15:00 (Sky Sports+). Barnsley are now up to fourth in the league after a good run of form, and have their eyes set on a top six finish. Below you can find my Cambridge United vs Barnsley prediction featuring team news and betting tips. 

Team News

Having watched his side concede six last weekend, Cambridge boss Garry Monk could ring the changes ahead of this tough test. Elias Kachunga is set to continue in his right forward spot in Monk’s 3-4-3, but Sullay Kaikai could come in on the other wing. Ryan Loft is pushing for a start up front while Blackburn loanee Connor O'Riordan may also feature in defence. 

On the injury front, forward Dan Barton is set to be out for a few more weeks after damaging knee ligaments in October, while James Gibbons was forced off in the first half of the Posh defeat. 

Football Odds

For Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke things are going pretty well right now. However, his side will have to cope without captain Luca Connell who is serving a one-match ban this weekend with Matty Craig in line to replace him. 

Chelsea loanee Gaga Slonina is out for four to six weeks with a finger injury as Clarke explained recently: “He’s out for four to six weeks, and unfortunately, he did it in the warm-up the other week. The good news is it doesn’t need operating on and we will work hard on his rehab.” Sam Cosgrove also remains sidelined. 

Cambridge United vs Barnsley Odds

Cambridge are priced at 3/1 to win this game, with Barnsley available at 9/10. That gives the away side a win probability of 52%, with a draw available to back at 13/5. Over 2.5 goals is 8/11, BTTS is 4/6 and Davis Keillor-Dunn is the favourite to open the scoring at 11/2. 

Barnsley to win @ 9/10

Let us start by backing the Tykes to win. They’ve lost just one of their last six matches and that came in the EFL Trophy which is bottom of the priority list for Clarke’s men this season. In the league, they have recorded some impressive results including beating Rotherham 2-0 last time out, and they have the individual talent needed to get over the line in close matches.

Max Watters and Keillor-Dunn are proving to be an effective front two right now and their 3-5-2 system means that even on the road they are tough to beat. Even though Cambridge have picked up some good results over the last month, the 6-1 defeat to Peterborough shows there is still a soft underbelly that Monk has to try and address. I’m happy to back the away team to win this one.

Barnsley to score over 2.5 goals @ 11/4

Could a big away win be on the cards? Barnsley have been averaging two goals a game over the past five matches and Cambridge have conceded 23 goals in 13 matches so far. Now, Cambridge had actually recorded five clean sheets on the bounce before they headed to Peterborugh and Monk will have been delighted with the defensive solidity his side have shown of late. 

But against Posh they fell apart and I think it could have dented their new-found confidence. I’m backing the away side to have some fun in Cambridgeshire this weekend, and think their attack could score three goals or more. 

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

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