Oakwell Stadium sets the stage for a clash where goals are expected, as Barnsley, firmly in the hunt for promotion, host relegation-threatened Cambridge. While Barnsley are strong favourites here, the selection is for goals, particularly against a Cambridge side that has struggled defensively all season.

The visitors have the 3rd-worst defence in League One, a key factor in why their matches average 2.6 goals per game, with 27 of their 37 league fixtures (73%) producing at least two goals. Notably, their away record sees this percentage rise to 84.2% (16 out of 19 games), with their vulnerability increasing on the road.

Barnsley’s own record for goals is even more convincing. Their matches average 2.8 goals per game, with a staggering 31 of 37 league outings (84%) seeing over 1.5 goals. At Oakwell, this trend holds firm – 83.3% of their home matches (15 from 18) have cleared this threshold, at an impressive rate of three goals per game.

History also backs this selection, with the last five League One meetings between these two sides all featuring at least two goals.

Port Vale currently occupy a playoff spot and remain in contention for automatic promotion, sitting just two points off the top three. While their recent form has been mixed (W1, D3, L1 in their last five), back-to-back home fixtures provide a major boost to their push for League One football next season.

Their 3-0 home victory last Saturday reinforced their dominance at Vale Park, where they are unbeaten in eight straight league games (W5, D3) and have lost just once in their last 15 home matches (W9, D5) since Round 4.

Morecambe, by contrast, are staring down the barrel of relegation, sitting six points adrift of safety before this round. Their away form is dire – seven straight league defeats on the road, eight in all competitions, and just one win in their last six league games (D1, L4).

Not only have they shipped 15 goals across their last eight away games, but scoring just two in response emphasises their struggles. While Port Vale have won just four of the last seven head-to-head encounters, their home advantage is significant.

The last three meetings at Vale Park have all seen the hosts prevail, underlining the challenge facing Morecambe as they fight to keep their season alive.