Both of these sides were tipped to struggle this campaign although as it stands that is completely not the case. The two clubs sit right next to each other in the table, with Millwall positioned in 12th while Barnsley are one place higher in 11th. Just one point separates the two and victory for either will propel them even closer to the top six.
Despite only entering the division, Millwall have adapted to life in the Championship superbly and judging by performances so far, it looks highly unlikely that Kenny Jackett’s men will be embroiled in a relegation scrap this term. Many of their squad have made the step up in divisions look easy and a return of twenty eight points from their opening few months of the campaign is a fantastic accumulation. Recent form has been highly encouraging as well and so far the Lions have put together an unbeaten run of four games.
Barnsley meanwhile are enjoying a successful season as well although just like Millwall, their success wasn’t predicted either. The Tykes may always be seen as relegation contenders by the bookies, but an interesting fact is that should they win this game they will have become the first team to have won 1,000 games at this level. That perhaps hints that they more than deserve their place in this league and having accumulated twenty nine points so far, they look like playoff chasers if anything. The club are currently five points behind the top six but having played one game less than many sides, Mark Robins knows that everything is possible as the festive period approaches. Recent form has been absolutely brilliant and having collected thirteen points from a possible fifteen in the last few weeks, they are definitely the team to beat as they arrive at the New Den.
As for team news, Paul Robinson is a definite absentee for the home side after the defender injured his hamstring in the Lions’ last outing. However, Kenny Jackett will be able to rely on the services of Liam Trotter who looks to have fully recovered from his hamstring complaint. Barnsley meanwhile will not be able to include influential striker Garry O’Connor who despite agreeing a permanent move to Oakwell in January, cannot feature due to his initial loan deal expiring. Iain Hume has returned from a loan spell at Preston but Mark Robins has indicated that he will not be selected and will be moved on in the January transfer window. Elsewhere, defender Matt Hill could be included in the squad following an ankle injury.
This is certainly going to be an interesting fixture with both teams in good form. Barnsley in particular have recorded some superb results over the past few weeks although through the last twelve months, their away form has been very poor. With that, we think they’ll be just about be able to get a draw here
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