Barnsley face Sheffield on Wednesday later today in the final League One play-off final of the season.
Michael Duff’s side come into the game having beaten Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
As for Wednesday, they picked up a dramatic win over Peterborough United in the other semi-final.
After going 4-0 in the first leg, Darren Moore’s side prevailed on penalties by beating Posh 5-1 after extra time. Wednesday won 5-3 in the shootout and booked their place in today’s final.
Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the League One play-off final between Barnsley and Sheffield on Wednesday.
Barnsley secured their place in the final after beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on aggregate
Sheffield Wednesday booked their place in the final after beating Peterborough in the other semi-final
When is Barnsley vs Sheffield on Wednesday?
Barnsley’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday will take place this afternoon, with a 3pm kick-off.
The clash between the two teams will take place at Wembley Stadium.
Wednesday’s fans might not be confident heading into the game. The club have lost three of their last five meetings against Barnsley.
The two teams last met in March, with Duff’s side losing 4-2 to Wednesday.
Devante Cole is Barnsley’s top scorer this season, with 16 goals in all competitions. The striker has only scored four goals in his last 10 games for the team.
Michael Smith is Wednesday’s top scorer this season, with 20 goals in all competitions. The Englishman has scored five goals in as many games for Moore’s side.
Devante Cole (left) and Michael Smith (right) will square off later this afternoon
How to watch
Today’s game between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 2pm.
The match between the two teams will also be broadcast on the Sky Go app.
Highlights will be uploaded to the official Sky Go YouTube channel after the game.
Mail Sport will also provide live coverage of Barnsley v Sheffield on Wednesday so you can catch up on all the latest developments here.
This afternoon’s clash between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday will take place at Wembley
Team News
Barnsley should have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the game.
Top scorer Cole is expected to lead the line from the start with Slobodan Tedic.
Adam Phillips is expected to play in midfield along with Herbie Kane and Luca Connell.
As for Wednesday, Moore revealed he was hoping to have Marvin Johnson and Dominic Iorfa available.
The pair looked slightly uncomfortable at the end of the semi-final second leg against Peterborough.
George Byers is in line to return to the squad having not played a game since March. The midfielder is suffering from a hamstring injury. While Byers is in contention to make the trip to Wembley, he is unlikely to start from scratch.
Predicts Barnsley XI (3-5-2): Isté; Thomas, Kitching, Andersen; Williams, Kane, Phillips, Connell, Cadden; Cole, Tedic
Predicted Sheffield Wednesday XI (3-4-1-2): Dawson; James, Ihiekwe, Iorfa; Patterson, Bannan, Palmer, Johnson; Windass; Gregory, Smith
Barnsley’s Slobodan Tedic should lead the line from the start with Devante Cole
Dominic Iorfa (left) should be fit for the game after suffering a slight problem against Peterborough
What was said?
Heading into the match, Duff revealed his team would likely be the underdog.
“If you look at the betting odds, we will be the underdogs. It’s not me trying to create a narrative,’ Duff said in his pre-match press conference.
“These are the facts. They finished with 96 points. God knows how many goals they scored, heaps of clean sheets, 23 games unbeaten. Look what they did after the first leg. But, they are in a single match with us now.
“The good thing is that we know we can hurt them. I’ve said it before, going into the play-offs, people were talking about momentum – that didn’t worry me. I saw my team training and working every day. We think we know what we’re going to get, hopefully someone can step in and be the hero.
Michael Duff thinks his team will be overlooked ahead of this afternoon’s final
Darren Moore hopes the fans will support the team in today’s final against Barnsley
As for Wednesday, Moore gave his thoughts on what the promotion could mean for fans.
“That’s what we’re in football for. For me, the most important element has always been the fans,’ Moore said in his pre-match press conference.
“The key to it all is our fans. The consistency, level and volume of support they have shown has always been there.
“They’ve driven us this far and I’m going to ask them again to keep doing that and let’s approach this game together.”
Odds
Barnsley winner – 21/10
Sheffield Wednesday winner – 13/10
Sheffield Wednesday to win each half and Sheffield Wednesday to have most corners in each half – 33/1
All odds via Paddy Power and correct at the time of publication.
Sheffield Wednesday hope victory over Peterborough can inspire them this afternoon
Prediction
Although Barnsley got the better of Wednesday last meeting, Moore’s team will be confident heading into the game.
After their spectacular win over Peterborough, Wednesday will likely pull out the guns this afternoon. If they can get Smith into the game early, it could be a long day for Barnsley.
While Barnsley finished 10 points behind their current opponents in the final league standings this season, their previous results against Wednesday will certainly give them hope.
With Cole and Tedic set to start leading the team today, the pair are more than capable of wreaking havoc on Wednesday’s defense.
Prediction: 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday
