Barnsley are set to play a competitive game for the first time in 11 days when they visit Oxford United from 7.45pm on Wednesday.
The Reds had a weekend off because their scheduled opponents Sheffield Wednesday are still in the FA Cup.
They are sixth in League One, two points clear in the play-off places with 43 from 25 games. They have games in hand on most of the teams around them.
Karl Robinson's Oxford are 14th in League One, eight points behind the Reds, having played three games more. They lost 2-0 at lowly Burton Albion on Saturday, after also losing to Wycombe earlier in the week.
Head coach Michael Duff said: “It’s a tough one. They have good players and were competing for the play-offs three years in a row. They are a well-built team with a good manager who has a lot of games for his age.
“They beat Ipswich in their last home game, gave Arsenal a real run for their money in the cup. They will be wounded from the last couple of games.
“They will be dangerous. They probably still think they have a chance of the play-offs. They are very similar to Charlton in terms of style of play and the position in the table.”
Barnsley midfielder Herbie Kane spent last season on loan to Oxford, playing 37 games. He said: “They are a good team with a good manager and some great players. It will be a tough game. Before the weekend, they had good results. They are good enough to beat anyone in the league on their day.
“I think it will be high-tempo. They will be on the front foot. They look to keep the ball. We’re looking forward to it.”
The match was due to take place on December 10 but was called off due to a frozen pitch at the Kassam Stadium.
The Reds have won 12 of the 25 meetings with the Us, losing seven.
Their only trip to the Kassam Stadium, which opened in 2001, was a 2-2 draw in 2019 under Daniel Stendel, while they had only won two of their 11 trips to the previous Manor Ground.
