Heading into the 2024/25 League One season, Barnsley were tipped for a slow start and poor end to the season.

But in the first 5 matches of the campaign, The Colliers are sitting third place behind two powerhouses in Wrexham and Stockport County.

Here are three reasons why Barnsley are currently outperforming pre season predictions:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @Wrexham_AFC in pole position!#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/wYFhYJGR36

— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) September 7, 2024

Clinical Bagsman

Barnsley are currently the second highest goal scoring side trailing behind league leaders, Wrexham.

The main bagsman for Barnsley, Adam Phillips has 4 goals and 1 assist in the opening 5 games of the League One season.

Picking up where he left off from last season, Phillips is the most productive player in League One in the whole of 2024.

PHILLO 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YYqhst6Bkh

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) September 7, 2024

Threatening On The Attack

It's not just Adam Phillips has been putting in a fantastic start for Barnsley, the whole attack is a major threat for the opponents.

Creating the most big chances in the league, Barnsley sit top with 14 and with an XG of 8.6.

Barnsley are converting their chances well and are creating heaps for the men at the front.

🤷‍♂️ @davisjames10 pic.twitter.com/hVIFamCQQk

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) September 8, 2024

Major Departures, No Worries

Barnsley suffered the loss of some of their most notable players over the last few seasons.

The likes of Callum Styles, Jordan Williams and Devante Cole all left Barnsley in the summer for larger clubs in the Football League, giving Barnsley a major setback and leaving fans doubtful about their performances heading into the new season.

However, big name arrivals such as; Stephen Humphrys, Conor Hourihane and Gabriel Slonina have restored fans faith and has proven to defy the odds heading into the thick of the new season.

New chapter.

Over the moon to be here. Let’s cause some carnage @BarnsleyFC ❤️ pic.twitter.com/E2aTZMqN4I

— Stephen Humphrys (@HumphrysStevie) August 30, 2024