Barnsley have made a slow start to the 2021/22 campaign, not too dissimilar from the one they made last season, now languishing in 19th place.

The Tykes have won one, drawn three and lost two in their opening six and travel to fifth placed Stoke City on Wednesday in pursuit of their first away win.

Markus Schopp's men have been struggling in front of goal lately and have posted the worst expected goals (xG) numbers in the division, creating chances equating to just 3.8 xG from six outings.

Barnsley are not looking like a side capable of backing up their play-off semi final appearance from last term in the opening exchanges, and Schopp may attempt to make a few alterations for their trip to the Bet365 Stadium as a result.

With that in mind, we have taken a look at two tactical tweaks Markus Schopp could make ahead of Barnsley's trip to Stoke...

Gomes pivot?

Manchester City loanee Claudio Gomes is very adept at dropping off and picking the ball up from the defence on the half turn to build attacks. Offering a calmness and composure on the ball that could be useful for the Tykes to get a foothold in the game on Wednesday evening.

Michael O'Neill's Potters have been adopting a 3-5-2 formation while Barnsley a 3-4-3, meaning they could find themselves light in central areas at the Bet365.

Cauley Woodrow is capable of dropping back into a more attacking midfield role to give some extra protection to the back three but also be more heavily involved in transitions, this may be necessary with Callum Styles potentially moving to left wing back due to an injury to Ben Williams.

Unleash Iseka

Aaron Leya Iseka will be chomping at the bit to earn his first start for Barnsley, the 23-year-old's move from Toulouse this summer dragged on a touch due to visa complications, and after making his debut in the Tykes weekend defeat at Bournemouth he could make the line-up at Stoke.

Clarke Oduor, who Iseka replaced on Saturday, can also play at left wing back, so there is the option to keep Styles in the centre and push Oduor out wide freeing up a spot in the frontline for Iseka.

The Belgian scored five goals for Ligue 1 side Metz last term and will be desperate to impress Schopp with the Tykes having been so toothless in the opening stretch.