'Big game this!' - David Prutton delivers score prediction for Barnsley promotion showdown vs Bournemouth

The Tykes have put together an impressive run of form in recent weeks and are currently sixth in the table – although they were held to a 0-0 draw by Derby County in midweek.

For their part, the Cherries are one place and two points behind Valerien Ismael’s men having also dropped points on their last outing, a 1-1 draw against Preston North End.

And as the battle for a place in the play-offs begins to hot up, Prutton has backed Barnsley to steal a march on their nearest rivals this weekend.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: “Big game this! I'm not sure many of us would have had this down as a big clash of play-off chasers at this stage of the season.

"But Bournemouth maybe we would have expected a little bit more, and Barnsley have been a real surprise package.

“Bournemouth maybe need to win this more to get back into the top six, and Barnsley will be fearless.

"Their winning run ended in midweek against Derby, but I think they could get a win here.”

Prutton predicts a 2-1 Barnsley win.

The Tykes were beaten 4-0 when the two sides met back in December, and their recent record against Bournemouth has left a lot to be desired.

Barnsley haven’t triumphed over the Cherries since October 2004, with Barry Conlon and Michael Chopra sharing the goals in a 3-1 win.