Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has issued his prediction for the bottom-of-the-table clash between Barnsley and Stoke City on Saturday.

Barnsley leapfrogged the Potters by grabbing a late draw against Bristol City at Oakwell last Friday.

They now have the chance to put some distance between themselves and Stoke, who are managerless after firing Nathan Jones at the start of November.

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Rory Delap has stepped into the caretaker role but made a disappointing start against West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening.

The Baggies picked up a comprehensive 2-0 win at the Bet365 Stadium against a Stoke side that looked worryingly out of their depth.

The Tykes also have a caretaker manager in their dugout but Adam Murray has made a more impressive start–picking up three draws in his first four games.

The 38-year-old coach will likely be eyeing the visit of the Potters as a chance to grab his first win.

Writing for Sky Sports, Prutton has predicted he will do just that–suggesting the hosts will win 2-0 on Saturday.

He said: "Barnsley fought back for a big point against Bristol City last Friday night. It still wasn't the win they so badly needed but it showed that they still have some spirit and belief and maybe it will help them build some momentum.

"This is a massive game for them and for Stoke, who still looked lifeless on Monday night against West Brom, even after the departure of Nathan Jones. Home win here for me."

If Prutton is correct, the Tykes could move to within two points of safety and four points clear of the bottom of the Championship.

A win for the Potters would see them climb above Barnsley and could leave them three points from safety.

The Verdict

After the dismal display on Monday night, it's tough to disagree with Prutton on this one.

For me, Barnsley have played better than their results suggest, while they've gone toe-to-toe with some play-off contenders and picked up impressive results under Murray.

In Cauley Woodrow, they have a striker who knows exactly where the goal is and I think that could prove vital in this relegation scrap.