The Tykes have won just one of their last nine games
The Trotters have lost just one of their last 12 in League One
Barnsley were victorious in this play-off battle last season, winning 2-1 on aggregate
Tykes unable to end winless run with another draw
Barnsley managed to hold onto a play-off spot despite picking up just five points from a possible 21 across their seven League One fixtures in April and this poor form could see them fail to make home advantage count in the first leg of this play-off semi-final against Bolton at Oakwell.
The Tykes have failed to win any of their last six in front of their own fans, drawing four including a 2-2 stalemate against Bolton back in March.
The Trotters meanwhile have also drawn four of their last six on the road, while four of their last seven home and away have finished all square – against the likes of champions Portsmouth and fellow play-off contenders Peterborough.
Three of the last four meetings between these two sides have ended level and it is difficult to see anything but another tie at Oakwell on Friday. Two of both Barnsley and Bolton’s last four draws have ended 2-2 and a repeat result could be on the cards.
