Two sides in very different form face off in League One on Saturday, looking to drive up the table as the season really kicks into gear.
League One
Our 3 predictions for Blackpool v Barnsley
- Prediction 1: Blackpool to win or draw 23/100
- Prediction 2: Fewer than 3.5 goals in the game 2/5
- Prediction 3: Blackpool to keep a clean sheet 103/50
1st prediction for Blackpool v Barnsley: Blackpool to win or draw
This is a pretty straightforward prediction which makes itself given the recent form of the two sides. Blackpool are resurgent under new manager Steve Bruce and despite defeat to Mansfield Town in their last game, have really picked up under their new boss. They are unbeaten in every other game under the former Premier League manager, and seem to have sorted the issues that plagued them under former boss Neil Critchley. When they aren’t winning, they’re managing to draw against some top sides which will serve them well in this division as they look to go for promotion.
As for Barnsley, things couldn’t be any more different. They’ve really struggled for form over the last month or so, picking up only one win since their 7-0 decimation at the hands of Manchester United in the Carabao Cup. More recently, they lost twice in a week to Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town, which is likely to have impacted confidence. One crumb of comfort is the number of draws the Tykes have amassed, so Darrell Clarke’s side may leave Bloomfield Road with something.
2nd prediction for Blackpool vs Barnsley: Less than 3.5 goals in the game
This isn’t likely to be a goal fest; Blackpool have defended fairly well recently with a number of clean sheets, and both sides are a bit hit and miss in front of goal. The two teams are averaging around 1.5 goals for and against per game, which would suggest this game is likely to see the ball hit the back of the net three times, but we all know stats are there to be defied. Furthermore, both sides fired a blank in their previous games against Mansfield and Huddersfield respectively, so aren’t exactly coming off the back of positive attacking momentum. With the form the two sides are in, you’d expect most of the goals to fall the way of the home side, but Barnsley may spring a surprise.
Prediction 3: Blackpool to keep a clean sheet
Steve Bruce’s sides are generally known for being solid at the back, and this Blackpool side have been no different of late. They’ve conceded only 4 goals in their last 5 games, and seem to have got themselves sorted in defence despite the departure of goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw to Plymouth Argyle. They aren’t the sort of team to give away too many chances, and those they do are defended well. For Barnsley, they’ve failed to hit the target in the last two games in all competitions and look less than convincing going forward. Despite this, before that they held a threat going forward and looked encouraging in attack .However, recent form is all important and will carry weight going into this game; with Blackpool’s strength at the back it’s hard to see Barnsley breaching them in this game.
Best odds for Blackpool vs Barnsley
| Bookmaker | Blackpool | Draw | Barnsley |
| 10Bet | 47/50 | 5/2 | 47/20 |
| Cosmobet | 49/50 | 117/50 | 239/100 |
| Myriadplay | 49/50 | 117/50 | 239/100 |
Full preview of the game: last results and Head to Head
Based on current form and history in this fixture, there looks to be only one winner in this fixture. The Tangerines have lost only once under Steve Bruce and Barnsley have lost their last two, so form is in favour of the home side. As for previous clashes between the two sides, it really is ominous for Barnsley. They’ve lost their last five against Blackpool and you’d have to go back to September 2021 for the Yorkshire side’s last victory in Lancashire. Records are meant to be broken though, but it will be tough given the way things are going at the two clubs currently.
Confrontation
08/03/2025
League One League One
Barnsley
Blackpool
0
3
19/10/2024
League One League One
Blackpool
Barnsley
1
2
20/04/2024
League One League One
Blackpool
Barnsley
3
2
05/12/2023
EFL Trophy EFL Trophy
Blackpool
Barnsley
2
1
30/09/2023
League One League One
Barnsley
Blackpool
0
1
Last Results - Blackpool 
15/03/2025
League One League One
Blackpool
Leyton Orient
1
2
L
11/03/2025
League One League One
Blackpool
Cambridge United
2
1
W
08/03/2025
League One League One
Barnsley
Blackpool
0
3
W
04/03/2025
League One League One
Blackpool
Peterborough United
0
0
D
01/03/2025
League One League One
Stockport County
Blackpool
2
1
L
Last Results - Barnsley
15/03/2025
League One League One
Mansfield
Barnsley
2
1
L
08/03/2025
League One League One
Barnsley
Blackpool
0
3
L
04/03/2025
League One League One
Charlton Athletic
Barnsley
1
0
L
01/03/2025
League One League One
Barnsley
Lincoln City
4
3
W
25/02/2025
League One League One
Northampton Town
Barnsley
1
2
W
Where to watch Blackpool vs Barnsley
This game isn’t televised in the UK, but here’s where you can watch it if you fancy some in-person EFL action.
- Location: Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, UK
- Date and time: 3pm UK time, Saturday 19 October 2024
Probable lineups for Blackpool vs Barnsley
These are two sides who are likely not to change too much from their team selections recently. This applies specifically for Blackpool, who are in great form and won’t want to interrupt the team too much. That being said, they both have fairly big squads and few fitness issues, so they could rotate if they wanted to. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Blackpool lineup:
- Lineup: H Tyrer, J Lawrence-Gabriel, O Offiah, O Casey, J Husband, C Hamilton, A Morgan, L Evans, R Apter, A Fletcher, K Joseph
- Injured and suspended: A Lyons (Knee injury)
- Coach: Steve Bruce
Barnsley lineup:
- Lineup: Slonina, J Earl, M Roberts, M de Gevigney, G Gent, L Connell, M Craig, B Cotter, D Keillor-Dunn, S Humphrys, S Cosgrove
- Injured and suspended: None
- Coach: Darrell Clarke
Media centre – news about Blackpool vs Barnsley
Since June 2024, Rhys Evitts has been writing for The Real EFL and, in recent months, has co-hosted the Real EFL Weekly Preview Podcast.
Professional Background
Sports journalism has always been an area of interest for Rhys Evitts since university studies, with a strong enthusiasm for covering sports and football whenever possible. Within the industry, Rhys spent three years in a key role at a local community radio station, strengthening connections with local sports teams, particularly EFL side Lincoln City.
Areas of expertise and interest include predictions, transfer news, and podcasting, with contributions helping to shape The Real EFL Podcast into what it is today.
Role at The Real EFL
Currently, Rhys Evitts is involved in both writing and podcasting for The Real EFL. Regular contributions include news articles and predictions, along with significant involvement in developing The Real EFL Podcast. He also co-presents the podcast on a weekly basis.
Certifications and Education
- BA Journalism – University of Lincoln (2021-2024)
Personal Insights
A strong passion for football has extended in recent years to a deep interest in the EFL. Having attended university in Lincoln, Rhys Evitts follows Lincoln City closely and maintains a keen interest in all EFL divisions, their growth, and their increasing popularity—an objective that aligns with The Real EFL’s mission.
Additionally, with a background in journalism, Rhys is particularly interested in the intersection of sports and media and is eager to continue exploring this field further.
Connect with Rhys Evitts
Instagram: rhysevittsjourno
