Barnsley will be hoping they can put together a positive run of results heading into the potentially season-defining festive period. 

The Tykes are currently sat 16th in the Championship table, and have shown much-needed improvement under the management of Valérien Ismaël.

They finished 21st in last year's campaign, and will be eager to build on some impressive performances in the 2020/21 season this term.

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They were beaten 2-1 by Blackburn Rovers in their most recent fixture, and will be hoping to pick up three points when they return to action in midweek against Birmingham City.

We take a look at TWO positives and TWO concerns with Barnsley's current situation heading towards Christmas.

Positive: Their improvement in form under Ismaël's guidance 

 

Barnsley supporters wouldn't have known much about Valérien Ismaël when he was first appointed as the Tykes' new manager.

But he has certainly shown that he's capable of taking the Tykes up the Championship table in this year's campaign progresses.

They're currently sat 16th in the second-tier standings, and will be eager to put together a strong run of form, as they've not shown consistency in terms of their results this term.

Concern: Their away form 

Barnsley have only won once in this year's campaign on their travels, which will be a concern for the club's supporters heading into the festive period.

They need to address this at the earliest of opportunities, as they can't rely solely on their home form at Oakwell to pull them further clear of the relegation zone.

Positive: Key players are stepping up their levels of performance

The likes of Cauley Woodrow and Alex Mowatt have certainly caught the eye with a number of impressive performances for Barnsley this season.

It'll be pleasing to see that the pair are finding some consistency in their levels of performance as well, and Valérien Ismaël will know that they'll have to be at their best over the hectic festive period to stay clear of the relegation zone this term.

If they can do that, then you would imagine that Barnsley won't have any problems in staying clear of the bottom-three in the second-tier standings.

Concern: The inconsistency in their results 

Barnsley might have made a stronger start to this year's campaign than some of the club's supporters might have expected, but results haven't been consistent enough.

They're often following up wins with defeats, and it's important that this is addressed in the near future, otherwise they could fall down the Championship table.