Barnsley vs Chelsea Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Barnsley:
Collins; Sibbick, Helik, Andersen; Brittain, Mowatt, Palmer, Styles; Frieser, Woodrow, Adeboyejo
Chelsea:
Kepa; James, Christensen, Zouma, Chilwell; Havertz, Kante, Gilmour; Ziyech, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi
Barnsley host Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Thursday hoping to repeat their historic victory over the Blues at the same stage of the competition in 2008. This is the first time they have met in the FA Cup since then, but at the same time it is their second mutual game this season. Chelsea already faced Barnsley in Carabao Cup in September and won 6:0. It is clear the Premier League side are big favorites in this clash, but the cup competitions often produce surprises. The Reds booked their place in the last 16 by beating Tranmere Rovers with 2:0 and Norwich City with 1:0. Michal Helik and Cauley Woodrow secured the victory against Tranmere, while Callum Styles decided the match with Norwich. The actual form could be rated as solid, Barnsley have two draws on the last two league matches. First they shared the points with Cardiff playing a 2:2 draw. Goals from Mads Andersen and Cauley Woodrow looked to be enough for the victory, but the defense wasn't at desired level and conceded twice in the next period. At the end it was a disappointing result for Barnsley. In the last played fixture they registered a goalless draw with Nottingham. Barnsley were looking to rediscover their December form which had lifted them to the cusp of the play-off places. The weekend match against Derby County was postponed as the Oakwell's playing surface was deemed waterlogged and unsafe to play on. It will have been 12 days since the last fixture at Nottingham, so the players are hungry for football. Perhaps this surprise period of rest have helped the team, with a number of players suffering knocks in recent weeks. It's also given new signing, Daryl Dike more time for adaptation. The US international has signed a loan deal until the end of the season. The Tykes have an option to buy the 20-year-old Orlando City striker, who made his USA debut against Trinidad and Tobago. Dike was drafted last January and scored eight goals in his debut season. Dike was also named MLS Rookie of the Year for the 2020 campaign. It is likely for him to make his debut for Barnsley in this game. Of course, Cauley Woodrow, who has scored 9 goals in 23 Championship appearances this season, should lead the line. Three players - Aapo Halme, Ben Williams and Liam Kitching - will miss the game through injuries. Alex Mowatt is expected to shake off knocks in time to play.
Chelsea were lucky with the opponents so far in the FA Cup. They played both matches at home, while the rivals were lower-division sides. The Blues have eliminated Morecambe in the third round of the competition. It was a high 4:0 victory at Stamford Bridge thanks to the goals scored by Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz. In the fourth round Chelsea managed to beat Luton with 3:1. This time it was "One man show" as Tammy Abraham scored a hat-trick and secured the victory and progress. The overall form is much better since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel. The German coach, who replaced the club legend Frank Lampard, have won three and drawn one of the four matches as manager. Chelsea have conceded just one goal under Tuchel, in the most recent outing against Sheffield United when won 2:1. But even that goal was scored by the Blues as it was an own-goal from Antonio Rudiger. The goalscorers for Chelsea were Jason Mount and Jorginho. Previously Tuchel managed to beat Burnley and Tottenham, while shared the points with Wolverhampton. Tuchel has the majority of his first-team players ready, but there are some issues too. Thiago Silva is struggling with a hamstring injury and won't play here. Timo Werner should be ready despite picking up a dead leg on Sunday. Nevertheless, it is expected to skip this match as precaution. but well drop out of the side. Christian Pulisic missed the game with Sheffield United because of family reasons and it remains to be seen if he will be available for this match. Tammy Abraham should start the match considering his good form in the cup. Abraham has hand in 8 goals in his last six FA Cup starts, scoring five and assisted three.
Barnsley vs Chelsea Prediction:
Chelsea are huge favorites in this match, however the FA Cup tradition is on Barnsley side. Back in 1989 they hammered Chelsea 4:0 in the third round
of the competition. In 2008 Barnsley recorded another victory at Oakwell. They narrowly won 1:0 with Kayode Odejayi's second half header. It is too much to expect a "hat-trick" for Barnsley, but I expect to make the life harder for the Blues. I think they are able to score in this match, so I expect an efficient game. Even if Barnsley failed to score, Chelsea could cover the line alone.
Barnsley vs Chelsea Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.58 with
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