However, since the turn of the year, Barnsley are yet to win and have not yet scored in any game so far. It is something the Reds will hope to change against an Accrington Stanley side ranked 19th in the league. Stanley, meanwhile, are very inconsistent with their form. They won their last game versus eighth placed Bristol Rovers, but prior to that drew 1-1 with Boreham Wood in the FA Cup Third Round and then were smashed 4-0 away at Derby County. John Coleman has been Accrington's manager since 2014 and before that had a previous spell with the club. During that time he has maintained them as a steady League One side, managing to keep them in the league ever since promotion.
Rosaire Longelo will be hoping to be fit in time, after shaking off a hamstring injury. Aaron Pressley will also hope to be back involved after injury. Seb Quirk will hope to make his debut after signing from Everton on a permanent deal on Thursday night. Likely lineups Collins; B. Thomas, Andersen, Kitching, Williams, Connell, Phillips, Kane, Cadden, Cole, Norwood Accrington Savin; Astley, Tharme, Rodgers, Coyle, Longelo, Martin, Hamilton, McConville, Whalley, Pressley Key players Barnsley - Mads Andersen Mads Andersen in action for Barnsley (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images) The Barnsley captain must inspire his team to their first victory of the new year. Having lost two defenders this week to injury, Andersen must step up and prove his leadership. Bobby Thomas is likely to feature alongside Andersen for the first time, so the Reds captain must guide Thomas and help him settle into the team.
Barnsley have been prone to a few individual errors this season that have led to goals being conceded, so Andersen must help put a stop to that. Andersen must also help the team with their goal drought from set pieces, as he is a vocal point for corners and freekicks. Any chances he gets, he must make the most of. Accrington - Shaun Whalley Shaun Whaley scoring a penalty for Accrington in their Papa John's Trophy game versus Lincoln. (Photo by Chris Vaughan - CameraSport via Getty Images) Shaun Whalley is no stranger to League One, having spent over six years at Shrewsbury Town scoring key goals to keep them in the league season after season. Since his move to Lancashire in the summer, Whalley has been continuing his threat.
Bobby Thomas is poised to make his first start for the club, following Tom Edwards' return to parent club Stoke City after injury. Max Watters will also be looking for his first start since signing on loan from Cardiff City earlier on in the window. Accrington Stanley Captain Seamus Conneely has been ruled out of this game, along with long-term absentees Jay Rich-Baghuelou, Matt Lowe, Joe Pritchard, Michael Nottingham, Mo Sangare, Korede Adedoyin and David Morgan.
Barnsley vs Accrington Stanley live score, H2H and lineups