Barnsley's improbable mission as they head for Huddersfield Town facing almost certain relegation

There is a strange situation in the Championship, where bottom club Barnsley have not yet been relegated but second-from-bottom Derby County are already down.

That's due to the fact that Barnsley have played a game fewer than Derby, so although they are a point behind them in the table, it is still mathematically possible for the Tykes to stay in the division, although extremely unlikely.

Barnsley come up against Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium on Friday night and a win for Carlos Corberan 's promotion-chasers, or even a draw will relegate the away side. In fact, even a win for Barnsley could put off relegation for a night but ultimately be futile.

That's due to the fact that Barnsley need to win all four of their games to overhaul 21st placed Reading. It's mathematically impossible for them to do that if the Royals gain even two points in their remaining three games.

Huddersfield come into the game in third place. Bournemouth look just out of reach in the final automatic promotion place, due to the fact that they have a points buffer and two games-in-hand. However, the Terriers will be seeking the win to secure their play-off spot and to maintain their good form, knowing that momentum can often be key coming into the post-season games.

The two sides have already faced each other twice this season. In the Championship, they played out a 1-1 draw last December, as a Lewis O'Brien goal was cancelled out by Carlton Morris' equaliser. Meanwhile, the Terriers were victorious in the FA Cup, winning 1-0 through a Duane Holmes strike.