Both Barnsley and AFC Wimbledon arrive at Oakwell on Saturday looking to respond after defeats in their previous outings.
Barnsley were edged out in a narrow contest away at Bolton Wanderers, while Wimbledon saw their EFL Trophy run halted by Northampton Town in midweek.
The Tykes return to Oakwell needing a performance that steadies the season and restores some momentum after a difficult run of results.
With both sides separated by just a single point in the table, the stakes feel higher than a typical mid‑February fixture.
Wimbledon arrive with confidence after recent league wins, meaning Barnsley will need clarity, control and a sharper edge in both boxes to take command of the afternoon.
For Barnsley, the season continues to drift away from the promotion picture.
After finishing 17 points outside the playoff places last year, the Reds are again struggling to build sustained momentum, with just one win from their last four league matches.
Last weekend’s 3–2 defeat at Bolton leaves them 15th in the table and 12 points adrift of the top six.
The January departure of leading scorer Davis Keillor‑Dunn to Wrexham has only added to the challenge, removing a key source of goals at a crucial stage of the campaign.
AFC Wimbledon, meanwhile, have shown signs of improvement despite their midweek cup exit.
Back‑to‑back league victories to start February have lifted the Dons to 14th, six points clear of the relegation zone and within touching distance of the mid‑table pack.
Importantly, they retained star forward Marcus Browne during the window, with the attacker already on 10 league goals and central to their attacking threat.
Both teams will see this fixture as an opportunity to regain momentum. Barnsley to steady a faltering season, and Wimbledon to continue climbing away from danger.
With only a point separating the sides, the contest carries added significance in the battle for mid‑table positioning.
Barnsley League One form: W D L W D L
AFC Wimbledon League One form: L L D L W W
