Barnsley visit Cardiff

The Reds can take some confidence from the draw at Reading in which they conceded two goals but built on signs of defensive improvement shown since the trip to Liverpool. 

In terms of injury news, defender Jack Shepherd came off on Saturday with an injury to his knee. 

Conor Hourihane said: “It’s not as bad as first feared. If someone comes off with a knee injury you fear if it’s bad. 

“But it was just a heavy knock and he was in discomfort. We’ve assessed him and we will assess him further. 

“It’s definitely not long-term. We will see if he’s back for the game (at Cardiff on Tuesday).” 

Captain Luca Connell is set to return from his three-game suspension after his red card away at Wigan on New Year’s Day. 

Since the turn of the year, The Reds have gone unbeaten in the league picking up five points from a possible nine. 

There are starting to be signs of an upturn in league form after recent performances and results, helped by the switch to the back five out of possession, however Barnsley will have to be at their best to get a result away at Cardiff. 

The two sides have not met this season due to the scheduled game at Oakwell on Saturday, 11 October 2025 being postponed due to international call-ups. 

In terms of Cardiff, they are currently top of League One on 56 points from 27 games, winning 17. 

The Bluebirds are managed by Head Coach Brian Barry-Murphy, who was appointed in June 2025 after roles which included managing Rochdale and overseeing Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad (U23). 

The Bluebirds have the best home form in the division, winning 11 out of 14 matches at the Cardiff City Stadium. 

They are also unbeaten in seven matches, winning four. 

Top scorer Yousef Salech came off against Stockport with a neck injury that saw him receive treatment for 13 minutes before leaving the field on a stretcher with his neck in a brace. 

You’d imagine he won’t play on Tuesday night, however no updates have been given since he was dispatched from hospital. 

This last time Barnsley visited Cardiff, it was the opening game of the 2021/22 Championship season and it ended in a 1-1 draw.

The two sides have met 57 times over the years, with Barnsley winning 14 and losing 29.