Just two places separate these two sides in the table and both managers will know that points desperately need to be registered if they are to move away from the relegation zone. After a good start to the season, Barnsley are on something of a slide and their supporters will be hoping that the bookies’ pre-season expectations of the drop aren’t going to be proved right. Leicester on the other hand are slowly rebuilding and Sven-Goran Eriksson is starting to experience at least some positivity at the Walkers Stadium now.
Barnsley supporters are becoming very frustrated with their season and many are extremely worried that they are going to be dragged into a relegation dogfight. After such a promising start, form has deserted the Tykes recently and the statistic of just one win in their last eight does not make nice reading for Mark Robins. Their last game against Hull was televised and it became apparent to the nation their main problem was simply goals. The Oakwell outfit dominated Hull for long periods and really should have got all three points. However, a host of missed chances cost them and that has got to change if they are to defy the bookmaker’s expectations.
Leicester meanwhile are just two places below the Tykes and they know that victory will take them above their opponents. Sven-Goran Eriksson has already been fairly active in the transfer market and those activities appear to be paying off, with the Foxes coming into this game on the back of a narrow 1-0 victory over Leicester. However, there’s obviously still plenty of work to do at the Walkers Stadium and Eriksson will know that his side need to vastly improve their points tally of fifteen. One way that could help that is by improving their disastrous defensive record, with the Foxes conceding more than any other team away from home and also failing to keep a clean sheet on the road.
As for team news, the home side have a few problems heading into this one. Despite organising a deal for Garry O’Connor to return to the club on loan, there have been technical problems meaning that won’t go through ahead of Saturday. Elsewhere, Matt Hill picked up a foot problem in their last game and won’t feature, while Chris Wood is struggling with a knee injury. Leicester meanwhile will welcome back Lloyd Dyer and Curtis Davies who have both been on the treatment table with hamstring problems. However, despite edging back closer to fitness, Darius Vassell isn’t quite ready and won’t be risked by the Foxes.
In terms of a prediction, we’re going to tip a draw here. The obvious prediction would be a Barnsley win considering their home form and Leicester’s awful away results. However, we think the Foxes are on the way up and because of that, we’ll predict a 2-2 score line.
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