[long_read]
Barnsley will have a superb opportunity to move into pole position for a Championship return tomorrow night as they host Sunderland at Oakwell.
The Tykes beat Accrington Stanley at the weekend in a tough encounter, with Billy Kee missing a golden chance to give them a fright in the second half.
That win opened up a four point gap between them and Sunderland, albeit with the Black Cats having a game advantage.
Games in hand do not mean points on the board though and if the Tykes can bag a victory tomorrow, they'll have a huge lead with nine games left to play.
It won't all be plain sailing for Daniel Stendel's side. They're without Cameron McGeehan, the influential midfielder who has helped drive them on this season.
Who they replace him with will be crucial, but we think the following XI stands as good a chance of beating Sunderland as any.
[snack_break title="Adam Davies"]
The goalkeeper and back four almost picks itself at Oakwell.
Barring any late injuries Davies will definitely play in goal.
[snack_break title="Daniel Pinillos"]
The former Forest man has been comfortable this season and helped them to their clean sheet at the weekend.
He's part of a solid and consistent defence.
[snack_break title="Dimitri Cavare"]
Bagged a goal at the weekend to set his side on their way to victory.
Not expected to be amongst the goals against Sunderland, but will have a role to play keeping McGeady quiet.
[snack_break title="Liam Lindsay"]
Lindsay is a highly-rated centre half who almost grabbed a goal against Accrington.
He's a threat in both boxes but will be aware of the threat Will Grigg poses.
[snack_break title="Ethan Pinnock"]
Pinnock is the final piece of a defensive jigsaw that is sure to be complete tomorrow night.
They've got to keep a talented Sunderland attack quiet, but have only conceded 10 goals at home all season.
[snack_break title="Kenneth Dougall"]
The Australian replaced the suspended McGeehan at the weekend and is likely to do so again.
He's an Eredivisie winner with Rotterdam and has real quality on the ball.
[snack_break title="Alex Mowatt"]
Mowatt benefitted from a loan spell last season, but has established himself as a mainstay of their promotion chasing side this time out.
He'll be crucial as he looks to get the better of Cattermole and Leadbitter.
[snack_break title="Mike Bahre"]
Bahre followed Daniel Stendel over from Germany and has forced his way into the first team of late.
He's turned in some solid performances to, sparking hope he might finally have settled in England.
[snack_break title="Jordan Green"]
Green made his first start this weekend and looked perhaps a little nervous.
We've got him down to start again, although there's also a possibility Stendel might want a more experience player such as Ryan Hedges in.
[snack_break title="Cauley Woodrow"]
Woodrow is the real dangerman for the Tykes and is hoping to provide the goals they've lost thanks to Kieffer Moore's absence.
He'll be in the centre of a three-man attack.
[snack_break title="Mamadou Thiam"]
The former Senegalese Under 20 international will likely play a supporting role to Woodrow.
He looked dangerous against Accrington, playing 80 minutes.
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