Two sides in desperate need of a win will meet at Oakwell this Saturday as Barnsley host Blackpool in a Championship encounter.

Barnsley currently prop up the Championship table and are now five points adrift of safety following a run of just one win in their last 12 league matches.

Danny Wilson's side have only won three league games all season - the lowest tally in the division - while their season went from bad to worse earlier this month when they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Coventry City.

The Tykes have not played since that defeat due to the postponement of last weekend's match against Charlton Athletic, giving them an unexpected 14-day break from action.

Wilson will be hoping that they return from their extended layoff in form as matches begin to drift dangerously close to 'must-win' territory for his side.

That break has given David Fox a chance to recover from injury, although he is still rated as doubtful for Saturday's match.

Blackpool may be eyeing this game as the perfect chance to end their own torrid run of form, which has seen them slip out of immediate contention for a playoff spot.

The Tangerines have lost eight of their last nine matches in all competitions, with the only exception being a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Boxing Day.

That dismal spell of just one point from the last 24 available in the league has left Blackpool 14th in the table, now seven points adrift of the top six having looked like serious playoff candidates earlier in the season.

Things don't look any better for Paul Ince's side when it comes to their away form, with five defeats in a row and no wins from their last six on their travels.

Thomas Ince is expected to start despite continued speculation over his future as the visitors have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Recent form

Barnsley: DDLLDL

Blackpool: LDLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Barnsley: Butland; Cranie, Mvoto, Ramage, Kennedy; Shea, Cywka, Dawson, Perkins, O'Brien; O'Grady

Blackpool: Gilks; Broadfoot, Cathcart, Mackenzie, Robinson; Ince, Cervera, Ferguson, Basham, Bishop; Fuller

Sports Mole says: 1-1

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