barnsley vs bradford city takes centre stage at Oakwell on Saturday lunchtime as Barnsley prepare for a fiery Yorkshire derby against a Bradford City side chasing a playoff place. Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane has praised the Bantams’ home atmosphere and said he would love to see a similar connection at Oakwell. The match arrives with Bradford City sitting fourth and Barnsley looking to build on recent positive results.
Hourihane praises Bradford City’s home connection
Hourihane said the reverse fixture, which finished 2-2, was a springboard for Reyes Cleary after the young forward’s goal of the season contender. He said that game helped put Cleary on the map and hopes Saturday produces another standout moment in home colours.
He was equally frank about what has impressed him most about the visitors. Hourihane said Bradford City have “really got it going” with their home atmosphere and connection, adding that he would have loved to create something similar at Barnsley. He also admitted a pang of jealousy at the Bantams’ crowd numbers and the positive impact those numbers have had over the last two seasons.
What the game means for both sides
Bradford City arrive with four games left and a seven-point cushion over seventh place, meaning a win could bring them closer to securing a playoff spot. They have 71 points from 42 games and remain in fourth after a strong campaign back at this level.
Barnsley are 12th on 55 points from 41 matches and are aiming to finish strongly after a mixed season. They returned from a six-game winless run with a 3-1 derby win at Rotherham United, then followed it with a goalless draw at Port Vale in midweek.
There is also the crowd factor. Around 5, 000 away fans are expected to add to the occasion at Oakwell, with both clubs hoping the atmosphere matches the stakes.
Team news and the derby edge
Barnsley are still without winger Tawanda Chirewa, while David McGoldrick faces a late fitness test after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. If McGoldrick does not start, Tom Bradshaw is expected to lead the line again, with Reyes Cleary among those pushing for a recall.
Captain Luca Connell returned off the bench on Tuesday and could come back into midfield, while Corey O’Keefe, Marc Roberts, Eoghan O’Connell and Josh Earl may keep their places in a back four that earned a rare clean sheet. For Bradford City, defender Harrison Ashby is expected to remain unavailable after missing the Stevenage game.
What to watch next
The meeting offers Barnsley a chance to finish their home campaign with renewed energy and gives Bradford City a chance to move a step closer to the playoffs. The first game between the sides this season was a 2-2 draw, and barnsley vs bradford city now returns with form, atmosphere and promotion pressure all on the line.
