Barnsley v Mansfield

Barnsley vs Mansfield Town Preview

The new League One season also kicks off on Friday night and features this upcoming clash between Barnsley and Mansfield Town at Oakwell as Barnsley look to put last season's loss in the play-off semi-finals behind them, while newcomers Mansfield Town secured automatic promotion from League Two at the end of the last campaign after claiming a third place finish in the English fourth tier.

A dismal six-match winless run towards the end of last season in League One wasn't exactly great preparation for Barnsley before being involved in their play-off semi-final against Bolton Wanderers, as The Tykes had been handed four defeats in their preceding six games with defeats suffered at the hands of Charlton Athletic, Stevenage, Portsmouth and Blackpool respectively.

A 3-1 loss at home in the subsequent 1st leg of their play-off semi-final to Bolton also did nothing to suggest Barnsley could prevail overall but although they won the return leg 3-2 away from home, Barnsley ended up losing 5-4 on aggregate.

Results at home therefore took a bit of a battering towards the end of last season and indeed, Barnsley failed to win any of their last seven games at Oakwell, something that manager Darrell Clarke will be keen to address in the early stages of this upcoming season.

Mansfield Town finished in third spot at the end of last season's League Two campaign in what became a three-horse race to claim the fourth tier league title, but Stockport County eventually secured that prize.

Nevertheless, The Stags will join Stockport County and Wrexham up into League One for this new season after previously flirting with the play-offs in the previous two campaigns but Nigel Clough's men made sure last term.

It's been a long road back to the English third tier for Mansfield Town who last appeared in League One back in the 2002/03 season but having finished last season's triumphant campaign in style by winning four of their final five games, The Stags look capable of at least holding their own in League One this season.

Clough's side ended last season with victories gained over Forest Green Rovers, MK Dons, Accrington Stanley and Gillingham and the visitors have produced an encouraging pre-season as well, picking up notable wins against Oxford United and Grimsby Town which have contributed to 10 games unbeaten in all competitions.

In addition, Mansfield Town are unbeaten in each of their last six away games overall, three of which have only seen one team score.

Barnsley v Mansfield Town Verdict

Barnsley and Mansfield Town last met in League One back in 2002/03 season and the away side won on each occasion by a 1-0 margin and another low-scoring encounter is expected here.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS No @ 2.00

Other side bets worth considering:

Mansfield Town win @ 3.50

Correct Score: Mansfield Town 1-0 @ 11.00