Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Match Preview
The magic of the FA Cup returns to the Weston Homes Stadium this Saturday as Peterborough United host League One rivals Barnsley in the Second Round.
This tie pits two teams looking for a response after midweek disappointments in the EFL Trophy. Peterborough United, now under the management of Luke Williams, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Swindon Town on Tuesday, compounding a frustrating week that also saw them lose to Doncaster.2 Sitting 21st in League One, the Posh are in a relegation scrap, but the FA Cup offers a welcome distraction and a chance to reignite their attacking spark.
Barnsley, managed by Conor Hourihane, arrive in Cambridgeshire licking their wounds after a heavy 5-0 thrashing by Port Vale in the Trophy.3 Despite that aberration, their league form has been solid, sitting 10th and chasing the playoffs. With a history of high-scoring affairs between these two sides (recent meetings ending 3-1, 2-2, 1-3), this encounter promises goals and drama as both managers demand a reaction.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Peterborough United vs Barnsley
- Competition: FA Cup (Second Round)
- Venue: Weston Homes Stadium, Peterborough (Capacity: 13,511)
- Date: Saturday, 06 December 2025
- Kickoff Time: 15:00 GMT / 20:30 IST
- Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
- TV Channel (UK): Not Televised (3pm Blackout)
- TV Channel (International): ESPN+ (Select markets)
- Live Stream: FA Player (International)
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
Peterborough United:
- League Position: 21st in League One (Relegation Zone).
- Form: Struggling. They have lost 3 of their last 5 games across all competitions. The 1-0 loss to Swindon and 2-1 loss to Doncaster highlight a team devoid of confidence in front of goal.
- Current Challenge: Defensive fragility coupled with a lack of cutting edge. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 3 games.
Barnsley:
- League Position: 10th in League One.
- Form: Erratic. Before the 5-0 collapse against Port Vale, they were on a decent run, including a 5-0 demolition of Luton Town.
- Current Challenge: Consistency. Which Barnsley will turn up? The one that hammered Luton or the one that capitulated to Port Vale?
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — What’s at Stake
For Peterborough United:
- Momentum: A win would arrest their slide and provide a morale boost before crucial league fixtures against relegation rivals.
- Financial Bonus: Progressing to the Third Round (and potentially drawing a Premier League giant) is vital for the club’s finances.
For Barnsley:
- Bouncing Back: Hourihane needs an immediate response to the 5-0 midweek humiliation. A win would restore faith in his tactical setup.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Team Form
Peterborough United (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Swindon Town (0-1 – EFL Trophy)
- L vs Doncaster Rovers (1-2)
- L vs Stevenage (0-1)
- W vs Stockport County (3-0)
- W vs Crawley Town (2-1 – EFL Trophy)
Barnsley (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Port Vale (0-5 – EFL Trophy)
- D vs Stockport County (1-1)
- W vs Luton Town (5-0)
- L vs Lincoln City (0-2 – EFL Trophy)
- W vs Doncaster Rovers (2-1)
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Team News
Peterborough United:
- Peter Kioso: Out (Muscle Injury – Expected back late Jan 2026).
- Harry Leonard: Out (Shoulder Injury – Out until mid-2026).
- Tom Lees: Questionable (Leg Injury – Late fitness test).
- Key Return: Archie Collins is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested/rotated midweek.
- Selection: Williams will likely recall his strongest XI, including Kwame Poku (if not sold/injured) and Ricky-Jade Jones to provide speed upfront.
Barnsley:
- Fabio Jalo: Out (Injury – Expected back Dec 31, 2025).
- Josh Earl: Out (Long-term injury).
- Marc Roberts: Out (Long-term injury).
- Davis Keillor-Dunn: The star man (8 goals) was rested/subbed in the midweek debacle and will certainly start.
- Adam Phillips: Expected to pull the strings in midfield.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Head to Head
- 20 Aug 2025: Peterborough 0–1 Barnsley
- 21 Apr 2025: Barnsley 1–1 Peterborough
- 29 Dec 2024: Peterborough 1–3 Barnsley
- 30 Dec 2023: Peterborough 2–2 Barnsley
- 16 Aug 2023: Barnsley 1–3 Peterborough
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Predicted Lineups
Peterborough United (4-2-3-1):
Williams reverts to his strongest lineup to save the season.
- GK: Nicholas Bilokapic
- RB: James Dornelly
- CB: Emmanuel Fernandez
- CB: George Nevett
- LB: Jack Sparkes
- CDM: Hector Kyprianou
- CDM: Archie Collins (C)
- RW: Kwame Poku
- CAM: Joel Randall
- LW: Malik Mothersille
- ST: Ricky-Jade Jones
Barnsley (3-5-2):
Hourihane demands a reaction from his senior pros.
- GK: Ben Killip
- CB: Donovan Pines
- CB: Mael de Gevigney
- CB: Corey O’Keeffe
- RWB: Barry Cotter
- CM: Adam Phillips
- CM: Luca Connell (C)
- CM: Matthew Craig
- LWB: Georgie Gent
- ST: Davis Keillor-Dunn
- ST: Sam Cosgrove
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Impact Bench Options
Peterborough United:
- Bradley Ihionvien: The young striker offers raw power and pace if Posh are chasing a goal.
- Cian Hayes: A tricky winger who can unlock tired defenses in the final 20 minutes.
Barnsley:
- Stephen Humphrys: A physical forward who can hold the ball up and bring others into play.
- Jon Russell: Offers control and height in midfield if Barnsley need to protect a lead.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Tactical Outlook
Peterborough United:
- Playing Style: Possession with Purpose. Luke Williams wants his team to dominate the ball, but they have been sterile recently. They will look to isolate Kwame Poku 1v1 on the wing.
- Weakness: Defensive Transitions. They are vulnerable to counter-attacks, which Barnsley excels at.
Barnsley:
- Playing Style: Direct & Pressing. Hourihane’s side will press high to force errors from Peterborough’s young backline. They will look to feed Keillor-Dunn in the pockets of space between defense and midfield.
- Strength: Midfield Goals. With Adam Phillips and Keillor-Dunn, they have goalscorers arriving late in the box.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Kwame Poku vs. Georgie Gent | Skill vs. Grit: Poku is one of the best dribblers in the league. Gent needs to stay on his feet. | Peterborough |
| Archie Collins vs. Adam Phillips | Midfield Generals: Collins dictates play; Phillips attacks the box. Whoever controls this zone wins the game. | Barnsley |
| Ricky-Jade Jones vs. Donovan Pines | Speed vs. Power: Jones is lightning fast. Pines is a giant. If Jones gets in behind, Pines can’t catch him. | Peterborough |
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Spotlight Players
Ricky-Jade Jones (Peterborough):
Posh need goals, and Jones’ pace is their biggest weapon. Against a Barnsley side that just conceded 5, he will be licking his lips at the prospect of running into the channels.
Davis Keillor-Dunn (Barnsley):
With 8 goals this season, he is the talisman. His ability to score from outside the box or finish tight chances makes him the dangerman Posh must neutralize.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Fan Reactions
Peterborough Fans:
“We need a win to stop the rot. The Swindon game was awful. Hopefully, the FA Cup brings some magic.”
“Poku needs to step up. If he plays well, we win.”
Barnsley Fans:
“5-0 loss to Port Vale was embarrassing. The players owe us a performance.”
“We usually do well at Peterborough. Keillor-Dunn to score a brace!”
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Match-Defining Factors
- Reaction to Defeat: Both teams lost midweek. The team that clears their heads faster will have the advantage.
- First Goal: Peterborough’s confidence is fragile. If Barnsley score first, the home crowd could turn toxic.
- Set Pieces: Barnsley have height advantage with Pines and De Gevigney. Posh struggle defending corners.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Prediction
Score Prediction: Peterborough United 1–2 Barnsley
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Barnsley to Win.
- Both Teams to Score: YES (Neither defense can be trusted).
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals (History suggests goals in this fixture).
Analysis: While Peterborough have home advantage, their current form is alarming. Barnsley’s midweek loss feels like a blip in an otherwise decent run, whereas Posh’s struggles look systemic. Barnsley’s superior midfield goal threat should edge a high-scoring, entertaining cup tie.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — Final Word
It’s a battle of two wounded animals. Peterborough United are fighting to save their season from spiraling, while Barnsley are looking to prove their promotion credentials. Expect a fast-paced game with plenty of chances, but the visitors’ extra quality in the final third should see them progress to the Third Round.
Peterborough United vs Barnsley — FAQs
When is the Peterborough vs Barnsley match?
The match kicks off on Saturday, 06 December 2025, at 15:00 GMT.25
Is Peter Kioso playing?
No, Peter Kioso is out with a muscle injury.
Where can I watch the match in India?
You can stream the match live on the FA Player app or website.
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