This will be the third game at Oakwell in seven days as the Reds continue to trudge through a gruelling schedule. 

Barnsley moved up into 12th after picking up three points on Saturday and are 11 points above the relegation zone and eight points off sixth. 

The play-off race has opened in recent weeks; however, Barnsley must show more consistency and keep more clean sheets if they are to be considered a top 6 candidate. 

The games in hand provide hope, and a win against second-placed Cardiff would make things very interesting. 

Head coach Conor Hourihane said: “It’s going to be a challenging game. We all know that. 

“They’re a very, very good side. We’ve already looked at the tapes and looked at the game and how we’re going to approach that. 

“We’re going into it in decent form. Let’s go for it. 

“They’re a very good side for the level, and there’s no doubt that they’ll get promoted and be in the top two, whether its first or second. 

“I don’t think (their recent form) changes anything. We need to be at our very best to try and get a result. And then we’ve got big games as well after that.” 

The Bluebirds were unbeaten in 12 before losing away at Plymouth 5-2, and then won 4-0 at Doncaster. 

They fell from first place after losing 2-0 at home to fellow top two side Lincoln on Saturday. 

Cardiff comfortably beat Barnsley 4-0 in late January, and the Reds will need to set up better than they did in the Wales. 

The two sides have met 58 times, with the Reds winning 30 and losing 14. 

In terms of injury news, Patrick Kelly is not expected to be back, whilst Jack Shepherd could feature after coming off injured against Exeter.