Barnsley entertain Aston Villa at Oakwell this weekend, in what is set to be an intriguing tie in south Yorkshire.

The hosts are dogged by rumours of an impending takeover by Chinese billionaire Chien Lee, following the admission by current owner Patrick Cryne that he has been sadly diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer.

There will be mixed emotions around the ground, with excitement at the prospect of a new era at the club, but devastation following the sad announcement regarding Cryne’s health.

On the pitch, Barnsley enter the game on the back of a mid-week Carabao Cup victory over Derby County, and manager Paul Heckingbottom will look to translate their good form in the cup competition to the league.

The Tykes have picked up just seven points from their opening six games, and Heckingbottom will eye this fixture as a possible three pointer.

The visitors are in disarray following an abysmal start to the new campaign, and the pressure is firmly on manager Steve Bruce.

Just one win from their opening seven has seen Villa languish towards the depths of the division, and an upturn in results is essential if Bruce is to maintain his position at the club.

The return of Jonathan Kodjia from a long-term ankle injury will be a boost, but the Ivorian cannot be rushed back into the first-team too quickly, having been out of action since April.

Villa are in dire need of a win, but I have a feeling that the hosts could pile yet more misery on the former European champions this weekend.

Barnsley 2-1 Aston Villa

How do you think the tie at Oakwell will pan out?