Barnsley had won three of their four Championship matches ahead of their trip to Derby on Saturday, which would have left them full of confidence, but the Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat to their fellow relegation candidates.
Ravel Morrison netted a brace for the Rams at Pride Park, with the result leaving Barnsley in 23rd position in the table, boasting 23 points from their 34 matches in 2021-22.
The Tykes are just six points from the safety of 21st position with a game in hand, though, and they still have more than enough time to escape the relegation zone; Tuesday’s match will mark the first of three home fixtures in succession, also welcoming Fulham and Bristol City on March 12 and March 15 respectively.
Poya Asbaghi’s side have the worst home record in the Championship this season, picking up just 16 points from their 16 matches, scoring just 12 times in the process.
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last three matches against Stoke, though, including a 2-0 victory when the two teams locked horns for the corresponding fixture last term.
Stoke, meanwhile, will enter Tuesday’s contest off the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Blackpool on Saturday, with Josh Bowler netting late to secure all three points for the visitors.
The Potters are currently 15th in the Championship table, boasting 44 points from their 34 matches, which has left them 20 points clear of the relegation zone and 11 points off the top six.
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It is not impossible for Stoke to make the playoffs this season, as they have games in hand on a number of the teams above them, but it would take a remarkable run of form over the coming weeks to move Michael O’Neill’s side towards the top six.
Stoke have struggled for consistency on their travels in the league this season, winning five, drawing four and losing seven of their 16 matches to collect 19 points.
O’Neill’s side have actually now lost each of their last four matches in all competitions, meanwhile, including a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup at the start of the month, with their last victory in the Championship coming at home to Swansea City on February 8
