Barnsley begin their FA Cup campaign on Sunday when they welcome League Two side Tranmere Rovers to Oakwell Stadium in the third round.

The visitors head into their clash with the Championship side having already beaten Accrington Stanley and Brackley Town in this season's edition.

Match preview

Barnsley were certainly not expected to walk away from their encounter with Norwich City with something to show for their efforts, but Valerien Ismael's men gave it a real good go at Carrow Road despite falling to a 1-0 defeat.

Arsenal-linked Emiliano Buendia got the goal which saw Barnsley kick off 2021 in disappointing fashion, although that was only their second defeat in seven matches as Ismael continues to lead the Tykes up the Championship table.

Barnsley have now creeped into the top 10 and are outside contenders for a playoff spot, but Ismael's focus now turns to the FA Cup as his side aim to advance past the third round in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999.

The Tykes' 2019-20 journey ended with a fourth-round defeat to Portsmouth, which marked the first time that they had made it further than round three since the 2012-13 season, where they were thrashed 5-0 by Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

A victory for the hosts here would stretch their winning run on familiar territory to four matches following 2-1 victories over Wycombe Wanderers, Preston North End and Huddersfield Town in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Tranmere manager Keith Hill is gearing up for a return to the club where he spent 18 months at the helm before being sacked in December 2012.

The 51-year-old has since endured an inconsistent start to the 2020-21 campaign with Tranmere, who are in mid-table obscurity in League Two and only able to boast one win from their last four in the fourth tier.

Sunday's visitors were due to take on Colchester United in their first fixture of the New Year, but coronavirus-related issues in both squads forced the game to be postponed, with two Tranmere players reported to be exhibiting symptoms.

The identities of the players were not disclosed, but this weekend's FA Cup game looks set to go ahead as planned and Tranmere will endeavour to reach the fourth round - where they were thrashed by Manchester United 6-0 last year - for the second season running.

The League Two side last got the better of Barnsley in the 2003-04 campaign, and the Tykes manage to prevail both times when the sides last locked horns in the 2005-06 League One season.

Barnsley form (all competitions): WWLWWL

Tranmere Rovers FA Cup form: WW
Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions): LWLWLD

Team News

Barnsley boss Ismael has confirmed that Conor Chaplin and Brad Collins are raring to go after being forced to self-isolate, and Alex Mowatt should be cleared to play as well.

Jordan Williams has also returned to the training pitches, but Aapo Halme and George Miller are sidelined with toe and knee injuries respectively.

The hosts are expected to name a strong contingent despite facing a lower-league opponent, with Mowatt expected to return to the midfield in place of Matty James, who has joined Coventry City on loan from parent club Leicester City.

Tranmere manager Hill has admitted that his team are "suffering" in terms of injuries and illness-related issues, with Stefan Payne still on the sidelines with a groin problem.

Former Liverpool man Jay Spearing is set to occupy a spot in midfield, and Ollie Banks will be vying to join the 28-year-old in the visitors' engine room.

James Vaughan - still the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer - will look to build on the 13 strikes he has already notched up in Tranmere colours this term.

Barnsley possible starting lineup:
Walton; Sollbauer, Andersen, Helik; Brittain, Kane, Mowatt, Styles; Frieser, Woodrow, Chaplin

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:
Murphy; MacDonald, Nelson, Clarke, Ridehalgh; Spearing, Banks, Lewis, Feeney; Vaughan, Woolery

We say: Barnsley 2-0 Tranmere Rovers

In terms of availability, Barnsley are boosted by player returns from injuries and illnesses, whereas Tranmere's squad has been depleted at the worst possible time for Hill. The visiting manager is unlikely to enjoy a memorable return to South Yorkshire, with Ismael's men expected to record a comfortable win en route to the fourth round.

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