Reading FC have the chance to secure League One safety this weekend on their trip to Oakwell to face Barnsley.
Following a monumental win away to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, the Royals now sit nine points above the relegation zone at the business end of the season.
Despite other teams having games in hand, Reading now sit comfortably above the drop zone and have the chance to mathematically secure their place in the division this weekend.
Barnsley still have plenty to play for and are hoping to seal their spot in the play-off places.
Neill Collins’ side are currently on 74 points from 42 games which puts them in fifth spot and are six points above seventh place Lincoln City.
The Tykes have fallen down the table and out of contention for automatic promotion following back-to-back defeats.
They lost out away to Charlton Athletic last weekend before they were on the end of a midweek defeat at Stevenage.
Barnsley forward Devante Cole has 17 goals and three assists to his name from 42 appearances which makes him the fourth highest scorer in the division.
Meanwhile, Royals striker Sam Smith moved onto 12 league goals from 31 games for the campaign by scoring the opener at Bristol on Tuesday night.
All three points were won by Barnsley when they visited the Select Car Leasing Stadium in December.
Harvey Knibbs scored a fourth minute opener, but goals from Harbie Kane, Devante Cole and Max Walters turned the game around for the Tykes.
Reading’s last trip to Oakwell, in April 2022, ended in a 1-1 draw in the Championship as Josh Laurent’s late equaliser cancelled out Carlton Morris’ opener.
Predicted Reading line-up: Pereira, Yiadom, Bindon, Mbengue, Mola, Elliott, Wing, Knibbs, Azeez, Ehibhatiomhan, Smith
