By Harry Jones
December 23 2025

Barnsley will look to bounce back from a disappointing defeat away at Exeter when they host Mansfield on Boxing Day.

 

Hourihane confirmed that Josh Earl and David McGoldrick could return to the squad on Boxing Day.

 

However, left-backs Georgie Gent and Nathanael Ogbeta aren't expected to return until mid-January.

 

Adam Phillips is fine after coming off with a knock at Exeter.

 

Barnsley host Mansfield and then Lincoln in quick succession so it gives the Reds a chance to build some momentum to carry into the New Year.

 

Mansfield currently sit 21st in League One and haven't won in eight games in all competitions.

 

However, The Stags have been suffering with a few injuries in recent weeks.

 

They are managed by Nigel Clough who has been in charge since November 2020.

 

The Stags returned to the third tier in 2024 after earning automatic promotion from League Two and finished 17th last season.

 

The two sides have faced off 37 times, with Barnsley winning 14 and losing 12.

 

Mansfield won at Barnsley on the opening day last season before beating The Reds again in March which was Conor Hourihane's first game as interim head-coach before getting the permanent role a few games later.