There couldn’t be a bigger difference between these two sides, with Barnsley operating on one of the smallest budgets in the division while recently relegated Middlesbrough have splashed out millions in the transfer market this summer. Unsurprisingly, the Tykes have been tipped as relegation favourites by the bookies while Boro are clear favourites for the title. However, after three league games both clubs are on four points and Barnsley will feel as though they have an excellent chance to stifle the visitor’s charge for promotion.
A 4-0 drubbing on the opening day of the season made a few Barnsley fans a little worried, especially since that also meant the Tykes had gone eleven games without a win on run stretching back to last season. However, a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace followed that and following a 3-3 draw at Bristol City, it would be fair to say that the Oakwell faithful are a little more optimistic now. In fact, many were disappointed only to notch a point at Ashton Gate last week after throwing away a 2-0 and a 3-2 lead. Still, four points from a tough opening schedule will have pleased Mark Robins and his aim now will be to try and maintain his sides mid-table placing.
Middlesbrough on the other hand endured a start that to the season that nobody quite predicted. Despite vast investment through the summer, Boro were soundly beaten on the opening day of the season as Ipswich left the Riverside Stadium with a 3-1 win to their name. Since then things have slowly improved following a goalless draw against Leicester and then a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United. That leaves Boro on four points and in 10th position and while only three games have passed, manager Gordon Strachan will know that his new-look side must start to gel in order to match pre-season expectations.
As for team news, Mark Robins could have a few problems in this one as he sweats on the fitness of Adam Hammill, Luke Potter and Liam Dickinson. On the plus side however, summer signing Jim O’Brien is recovering well from a thigh injury that has prevented him from making his debut. Middlesbrough on the other hand have a host of problems and Gordon Strachan will have plenty of reshuffling to do. Seb Hines, Tony McMahon, Jonathon Franks, Gary O’Neil, Willo Flood, Rhys Williams, Nick Bailey and Kevin Thomson are all set to miss out giving Boro some serious injury concerns.
Barring the opening day, Barnsley have enjoyed a reasonable start to the season and finally found some goals following last week’s 3-3 result against Bristol City. Middlesbrough on the other hand still appear to be finding their feet and with that, we’re going to predict an exciting 2-2 draw in this one.
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