It’s not uncommon for some media outlets to get these two clubs confused due to the similarity of their names and traditions. However, six places separate them in the league now although if Barnsley can net a victory, they’ll go above the Clarets so much is the tightness of the division.
In our summer previews, we thought that Burnley should be right up there challenging with the best considering some of the talent they had on paper. Doubts have been cast over the credentials of Brian Laws, but in fairness the former Sheffield Wednesday manager constructed a very good squad over the summer and one that definitely seemed to be up there with the best. With that, a league position of 8th doesn’t seem so great, although with just three points separating them from 3rd spot, they’re by no means struggling. They’ve put together some good form over the last few weeks as well and having not lost in their last six, they’re definitely one of the form teams of the division.
Barnsley are definitely one of the most inconsistent teams in the division. Throughout the season, the Tykes have been used to picking up fantastic results only then to go on a slump of a few games. They ended a miserable four game winless streak by comfortably beating Nottingham Forest on Saturday and that result means they are now sat in 14th spot on fifteen points from the opening eleven matches. Considering their relegation struggles over the past few years that is certainly a position that they should be looking to keep although Mark Robins knows that he needs to tighten up the consistency if they are to achieve that. What’s more, it’s clear there is a worrying reliance on home form, with the Tykes one of only a handful of sides not to net an away victory this term.
In terms of team news, Burnley are sweating on the fitness of defensive duo Danny Fox and Michael Duff who are struggling with thigh and calf problems respectively. One defender who certainly won’t be featuring is Clarke Carlisle though, with the former Leeds man sitting this one out through suspension. It’s very quiet on the team news front for the visitors who again just have the one concern in striker Jeronimo Neumann. Following an impressive substitute appearance on Saturday, Mark Robins must decide whether or not to hand Jacob Butterfield a starting place.
While Barnsley recorded a very good result in their last outing, there is only one team that’s going to win this for us. With Burnley yet to lose at home and the Tykes still without a victory on the road, the only way we see this going is a win for Brian Laws’ men
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