Barnsley have had a brilliant start back to life in the second tier of English football, and currently find themselves sitting in third place after five games.

Prior to the international break, they triumphed convincingly in a South Yorkshire derby against Rotherham United, a game which they dominated and came out as 4-0 winners.

Unsurprisingly, confidence currently appears to be sky high around Oakwell.

On the other hand, Preston have had a tough start to the campaign, and find themselves in 23rd place with confidence around the squad at a real low.

Barnsley will be looking to take advantage of their poor start and pick up another three points this weekend.

Here, FootballLeagueWorld writer Chris Strawson identifies the Barnsley XI that will beat Preston North End on Saturday...

GK - Adam Davies

Adam Davies would continue between the sticks, as he hasn't put a foot wrong since signing for the club in 2014 from Sheffield Wednesday.

He never made a first team appearance, but since signing for Barnsley, the German born shot-stopper has proved he has quality in abundance, and his stock has constantly been on the rise since his arrival at Oakwell.

The former Everton trainee has made over 50 appearances for Barnsley, and looks to be well settled with the South Yorkshire club.

RB - James Bree

Young 18-year-old right-back James Bree is the latest potential star to come off the conveyor belt at Oakwell, and would get a starting birth in my Barnsley XI.

Bree looks to be a top talent, and it is pivotal that he continues to get exposure to first team football if he is to continue his development.

However, Barnsley know all about player development after having the likes of John Stones and Mason Holgate come out of the academy in recent years.

CB - Marc Roberts

26-year-old Marc Roberts is a commanding and dominant figure in the Barnsley defence, and has been a vital cog in Barnsley's early season form.

Despite being 6ft 4, Roberts is very quick for a big man and can cover the ground well. He has bite in the tackle and is very dominant in the air. He is turning into a real asset for The Tykes.

After the departure of Alfie Mawson to Swansea City, Barnsley need Roberts to continue his early season form and continue to be defensively solid.

CB - Angus MacDonald

Angus MacDonald is a new signing at Oakwell this summer after arriving from Torquay United, and was thrown into the deep end last match when the departure of Alfie Mawson left the Barnsley manager with no option but to throw MacDonald into a starting role against Rotherham United.

It was sink or swim time for the defender, who was playing his football in the National League last season, and it was safe to say that MacDonald thrived in the game and put in a solid performance.

LB - Aidy White

Versatile full-back Aidy White would be given the starting role at LB in my Barnsley XI.

White is an experienced played who appeared close to 100 times for Leeds United, and has also represented the likes of Sheffield United and Rotherham United.

He is full of pace and enjoys getting forward, providing overlap opportunities for the wingers in front of him, although this can often lead to him being out of position should the attacking move break down.

LM - Adam Hammill

Adam Hammill looks like a rejuvenated man after re-signing for Barnsley last season, and it appears that it is just a case of he is the right for the club and the club is the right fit for him.

Hammill is a huge fans favourite at Oakwell, and has made close to 100 appearances for the club in his two spells.

Hammill has started the season very well and is looking like a man with a point to prove.

He looks full of energy and looks to be enjoying his football again after a disappointing last couple of years, where things haven't quite worked out for the Liverpudlian winger.

CM - Josh Scowen

Josh Scowen would get a starting birth in central midfield as the ball-winning midfielder of the team.

Scowen is a versatile player who can also play at full-back, and is someone who has bite in the tackle and will do a solid job of shielding the back four.

Scowen is a midfielder with excellent work rate and is someone who can be relied upon to do a job for the team.

CM - Conor Hourihane

Club captain and fans favourite Conor Hourihane is an indispensable member of the squad and is the driving force in the midfield.

Hourihane is the creative spark in the team, as he possess excellent vision and a great range of passing. He has the ability to see the killer passes that others fail to see, and also has the technical ability to execute them.

Hourihane is also widely regarded as a set-piece specialist and is the corner/free-kick taker for the club.

He also adds a source of goals from the midfield as he has a wicked long shot in his arsenal.

RM - Ryan Kent

Young winger Ryan Kent will be full of confidence after he put in a brilliant performance during the 4-0 drubbing of Rotherham United, which culminated in Kent scoring the fourth goal - only his second senior goal in his short career.

Kent was a constant thorn in the side of The Millers, and didn't give the opposing full backs a moment's peace.

Kent spent time on loan with League One Coventry City last season, where he made 17 appearances, scoring once.

ST - Sam Winnall

Sam Winnall is another indispensable member of this Barnsley side, and looks certain to keep his place in the starting line-up after returning to action against Rotherham in the last match.

The 25-year-old was vital in Barnsley's promotion from League One last season, as he ended the campaign on 24 goals in all competitions.

Winnall is a natural goalscorer and, with many people doubting whether or not he has the ability to score goals consistently in the Championship, Winnall will be desperate to prove he has what it takes, and will be keen to get off the mark this weekend against Preston.

ST - Adam Armstrong

After joining on loan before the closure of the transfer window, young Newcastle loanee Adam Armstrong would be handed his Barnsley debut from the start on Saturday in my XI.

Armstrong looks like he could be a shrewd signing by the Barnsley manager if he can replicate the same sort of form that he showed in League One last year for Coventry City.

He made 40 appearances and scored 20 goals for the Sky Blues.

Barnsley fans... do you agree with this XI? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!