Barnsley are having one of their most respectable Championship campaigns to date, and there is plenty of optimism flowing around Oakwell ahead of the game against Leeds United this weekend.

Paul Heckingbottom seems to have brought his squad to together very well indeed and unlike seasons past, this Barnsley side seems to have a lot of balance flowing through the spine of the team.

The Tykes have always had to make use of minimal transfer budgets but after some decent investment this summer, they're slowly but surely becoming as proper second-division side with the threat of relegation staying away for now.

But on the pitch, attention will turn to arguably their biggest game of the season this week against Leeds United, who are in red-hot form in the league.

It's going to be a proper Yorkshire derby but there's absolutely no reason why the Tykes couldn't scrape a win against third-place Leeds.

So with that in mind, here's our Barnsley XI that we think could demolish the Whites on Saturday evening......

GK: Adam Davies

Barnsley keeper Adam Davies has moved to over 100 appearances made for the Tykes and there's hope he will go on and become a real Oakwell legend between the sticks.

The German-born shot-stopper has been in good form this season but will be up against it in the form of Chris Wood on Saturday evening.

RB: James Bree

Young right-back James Bree is picking up plenty of admirers this season and there are a whole host of side's who have been linked with a move for him this window.

But after some cracking performances on the pitch, it's crucial Barnsley either keep hold or let him go at the right price.

CB: Marc Roberts

Another Barnsley man that has been linked with a move from Oakwell this January is centre-back Marc Roberts.

He's another man who has been in fine form for the majority of the campaign and he could be set to be rewarded with a move to the Premier League with Burnley, if they can finalise a deal.

Otherwise he should certainly be in the side to face Leeds this weekend- he's the best defender Barnsley have on the books right now.

CB: Angus Macdonald

Former non-league starlet Angus Macdonald has made the transition from the lower leagues to the Championship almost seemlessly and he is quickly becoming one of the division's brightest young defenders.

He reads the game fantastically well and works hard too.

LB: Aiden White

Tails are always going to be up when Leeds United roll into town but former former Elland Road man Aiden White, this game is a very different one entirely.

He'll want all three points against his former side and don't count on the Irishman using his electric pace to really get at his opposite number Luke Ayling throughout.

RM: Marley Watkins

Former Hereford United wideman Marley Watkins has had a decent campaign for the Tykes this time out but he'll be looking to put a real dent in the Leeds United promotion train this weekend.

He's a hard-working midfielder who might not have the pace to run defenders ragged but he has a good set-piece delivery and a great attitude.

CM: Josh Scowen

Former Wycombe Wanderers man Josh Scowen has slotted into this side more often than not this campaign and he's making a real difference as the Tykes look to continue their good form.

He's more of a defensive-minded player who is quite happy to sit back and cut out the threat of opposition forwards.

CM: Conor Hourihane

This is a tough selection after all the transfer gossip that has been surrounding star midfielder Conor Hourihane this season but at the end of the day, he's been Barnsley's biggest performer by far.

He's brought class to the middle of the park and the Tykes should get as much out of him as possible, should he leave the club this month.

LM: Adam Hammill

Former Wolves man Adam Hammill brings plenty of Championship experience to the Tykes wing and he's a man that won't be afraid to run at the Leeds defence on Saturday evening.

ST: Adam Armstrong

We'd like to see Adam Armstrong start the game for the Tykes after some of his good early-season form.

He's somewhat dropped out of favour over the past couple of weeks but a couple of goals would certainly have him back in Heckingbottom's starting XI, starting with Leeds this weekend.

ST: Tom Bradshaw

Former Walsall man Tom Bradshaw was brought in this summer to grab the goals for the Tykes and whilst he's had a decent start upfront, more will be expected as the season progresses.

He was prolific for his former employers last season and we're still waiting to see that real edge of goalscoring from the Welshman this campaign.