There are currently two divisions between these teams but only 27 places on the league ladder and it is entirely possible that this will be a League 1 fixture next season if the sides continue on their current path. Given both teams like to play on the front foot, this has the making of a cracking FA Cup third-round tie.
Crewe Alexandra Form and Team News
The Railwaymen are currently in the automatic promotion places in League 2. They haven’t lost a home game since September and are their division’s top scorers. They’ve scored 17 in their last six and put four past Carlisle on New Year’s Day without top scorer Chris Porter.
Daniel Powell has scored five in his last four outings and Norwegian Chuma Anene has quickly found his feet in English football with a strike-rate of almost 1-2 in the league.
There are generally goals in Crewe’s matches and they’ll be hoping to make the most of their first third-round tie in the FA Cup in more than 10 years. But they will be without defender Eddie Nolan so will look for experience to Nicky Hunt and former Republic Of Ireland international Paul Green. They, along with captain Perry Ng, be tasked with keeping a lid on the enthusiasm of the younger players in the squad who may want not to give Barnsley the respect they deserve coming from a higher level.
FA Cup Betting at Betfred
Barnsley Form and Team News
Barnsley s Jacob Brown land Reading s Andy Rinomhota battle for the ball Copyright: Nigel French 48960160
After a dreadful start to the campaign, there are signs that Gerhard Struber is starting to turn things around at Oakwell.
The Tykes are looking more resilient but, after wins against Queens Park Rangers and Millwall on the run up to Christmas, they only picked up two points over the Festive period itself, scoring only two goals.
The head coach will almost certainly take the opportunity to rest a few key layers for this tie but it is still a blow that leading marksman Cauley Woodrow is ruled out through injury. In his absence, Conor Chaplin looks the likeliest threat to Crewe’s also porous defence.
Barnsley have won just one away game all season and only Luton Town have conceded more goals in the Championship this season than the team from South Yorkshire. The Reds are aiming to reach the fourth round for the first time since 2013 and could do with a cup run to lift spirits but they have not been immune to acts of giant-killing in the past and Alex will fancy their chances of an upset.
Crewe Alexandra vs Barnsley Head-to-Heads
This is the first FA Cup tie between the sides since 1927. The Railwaymen have yet to beat their rivals in the competition and have lost three of the last four meetings between the sides in the league, though did win League Cup ties in 2008 and 2014.
Crewe Alexandra vs Barnsley Current Best Odds
Crewe Alexandra 9/5, Draw 5/2, Barnsley 6/4 (Odds correct at 12.15pm January 4)
Crewe Alexandra vs Barnsley Current Best Odds
It would be no surprise to see an eager Crewe side bridge the gulf in class in this tie, despite missing key players. They are prolific and confident in front of goal and Barnsley will not be at full strength with more important issues to address. A home win is 9/5 with Betfred and few will want to bet against both teams finding the net at a general 4/7.
Over 2.5 Total Goals is 8/11 with Betfred and Crewe to Win and Over 2.5 Total Goals is 3/1 with Paddy Power.
