League One play-off final tips and odds

Our betting expert is offering three tips for Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday in Monday’s League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium (kick-off, 3pm). Check below to see the reasoning behind his picks.

Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday betting tips

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Tykes target hat-trick

Barnsley were the only team to complete a double over Sheffield Wednesday during the League One season and can maintain their hex over the Owls with a victory in the play-off final.

There will be plenty of punters wary of opposing Wednesday after their record-breaking exploits in the semi-final, when they recovered from a 4-0 first-leg defeat by Peterborough United to win the return 5-1 and advance 5-3 on penalties.

Barnsley finished 10 points below Wednesday in the league, but impressed in their play-off semi-final against Bolton, registering a well-deserved 2-1 aggregate success, and may have more to give.

The Tykes were a Championship club last season and they look decent value 12/5 shots to seal a quick return without the need of extra time.

Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday tip 1: Barnsley to win @ 12/5 with bet365

Kitching could sink Owls

Barnsley were the fourth-highest scorers in League One with 80 goals but they do not rely too heavily on any individual to find the net.

Devante Cole top-scored for them with 15 league goals – his best return in a single campaign – while fellow striker James Norwood netted 11 times despite often being used as a substitute and midfielder Adam Phillips weighed in with nine goals.

Centre-backs Mads Andersen, Liam Kitching and Bobby Thomas are all a threat from set-pieces and any of them could cause the Owls a problem if the delivery into the box is right.

Kitching was the biggest threat in the semi-final, second leg against Bolton and his superb header proved the difference between the teams. One of his three league goals came in the 4-2 home win over Wednesday and there is every chance of him popping up with another crucial contribution.

Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday tip 2: Liam Kitching to score any time @ 14/1 with bet365

Paterson looks a strong card candidate

Wednesday utility man Callum Paterson is a huge asset with his ability to play in multiple positions but he often walks a fine line with his tackling and looks a yellow card candidate at Wembley.

Paterson’s versatility can count against him and might explain why he has made almost as many substitute appearances (12) as starts (13) in League One this season.

He played the full 120 minutes of the semi-final, second leg against Peterborough and justified his selection with a well-taken extra-time goal that took the contest to a penalty shootout.

Paterson has received six yellow cards this season despite his sporadic involvement and it looks worth combining that with a low-scoring outcome of under 3 goals.

Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday tip 3: Under 3 goals and Callum Paterson to be shown a card @ 3.33/1 with bet365

Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday team news

Barnsley

Michael Duff has a full squad to pick from at Wembley as he revealed in the lead up to the game that none of his players were even carrying a niggle.

Predicted line-up (3-5-2): Isted; Thomas, Andersen, Kitching; Williams, Phillips, Connell, Kane, Cadden; Cole, Tedic.

Sheffield Wednesday

The Owls will certainly be without George Byers, Mallik Wilks and Akin Famewo who have been ruled out for the season while Darren Moore may not change his side after their heroics in the semi-final, second leg.

Predicted line-up (3-5-2): Dawson, Iorfa, Ihiekwe, James; Paterson, Windass, Bannan, Palmer, Johnson; Gregory, Smith.

Last five results

Barnsley

19 May LOPO Barnsley 1 Bolton 0 W

13 May LOPO Bolton 1 Barnsley 1 D

7 May LO Barnsley 0 Peterborough 2 W

29 April LO MK Dons 4 Barnsley 4 D

25 April LO Barnsley 0 Ipswich 3 W

Sheffield Wednesday

18 May LOPO Sheffield Wednesday 5 Peterborough 1 (won on pens) W

12 May LOPO Peterborough 4 Sheffield Wednesday 0 L

7 May LO Sheffield Wednesday 1 Derby 0 W

29 April LO Shrewsbury 0 Sheffield Wednesday 3 W

22 April LO Sheffield Wednesday 2 Exeter City 1 W

LOPO League One play-offs LO League One