Fixed odds betting terminal gaming: Barnsley

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Monday, 18 April 2011

Middlesbrough v Barnsley Preview

At the start of the season nobody could have imagined these two sides sat so close to each other in the table, with Middlesbrough tipped as clear promotion favorites while Barnsley were seen as a side who would struggle. However, as we approach this fixture just two places separate the two clubs, with Boro sat in 18th place while the Tykes are positioned in 16th.

Middlesbrough’s season may have been something of a disaster, yet the Riverside outfit at least seem to be ending the campaign in positive style. Tony Mowbray’s men actually approach this game with some of the best form in the division, having not lost in their last six and put together a run that has seen them collect twelve points from a possible eighteen. That has seemingly dispelled their relegation fears and while they haven’t yet reached the magic fifty point barrier, with five games left it does seem something of a foregone conclusion. Of course, Mowbray’s aim now will be to analyze his squad and prepare for a much more successful next campaign. However, with rumors of the club struggling financially, it remains to be seen how much power Mowbary will have in the transfer market.

Barnsley on the other hand appear to be safe from relegation now, with the Tykes thirteen points clear of the bottom three having accumulated fifty points. With five games remaining, that is certainly a very good achievement for the club who were tipped as serious candidates for the drop at the start of the campaign. However, it would be fair to say that most of the work was done in the opening stages of the season as the club approach this encounter with some disastrous form behind them. Having lost three out of their last four and only won two out of twelve, Mark Robins has come in for some recent criticism. Despite this, supporters were actually very complimentary about their side following the recent 1-0 defeat to QPR, with many praising the Tykes’ attacking style.

As for team news, Middlesbrough have been hit by several injuries recently and Tony Mowbray will approach this encounter without the likes of Seb Hines and Merouane Zemmama who are struggling with jaw and hamstring problems respectively. What’s more, influential striker Marvin Emnes will sit this one out as well as he serves a suspension. Barnsley meanwhile don’t have much to report although Hugo Colace is hopeful of a starting place after shaking off a knee problem. However, following the Tykes’ performance in their last outing, it would not be a surprise if Mark Robins keeps his side unchanged.

In terms of a prediction, we think Middlesbrough will prove to be too strong for their opponents here. Boro have put together some very good form over the past few weeks and with Barnsley struggling somewhat, our prediction will be a comfortable 2-0 victory for the home outfit.

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Monday, 7 March 2011

Barnsley v Scunthorpe Preview

This is a fixture involving two of the division’s most unfashionable clubs and the result here could have a huge bearing on the whole relegation story. Barnsley looked to be well out of trouble a few weeks ago, but some poor form means that the Tykes must get a result here unless they want to be brought right back down into the fight. The carrot for Scunthorpe is not simply closing the gap with their opponents, but potentially exiting the relegation zone should results go their way.

Barnsley’s campaign has certainly been one of ups and downs but as we approach this fixture, it looks as though the Tykes are embarking on one of their more negative periods. Mark Robins’ men have now gone six games without victory and while three of those outings have resulted in draws, the form is still not acceptable. It’s meant that the club have gone from being in a comfortable mid-table position down to 16th. They are still nine points clear of the drop zone, and Scunthorpe for that matter, but their supporters must be slightly concerned considering the fact that they have been used to relegation battles throughout their time in the Championship. Of course, victory here really will settle the nerves, and the Tykes would put themselves within touching distance of safety with ten games remaining.

Scunthorpe on the other hand have seemingly recovered from an absolutely dreadful patch of form that saw them go on a losing run that lasted for months. The Iron have managed three wins from their last six, meaning that they are now just one point adrift of safety. What’s more, they also hold a game in hand over many sides around them and following 23rd place Sheffield United’s dismal form, they now find themselves five points in front of them. Of course, there is still a long way to go but with Ian Baraclough now having several players return from the sidelines, the Iron are now looking a much brighter prospect to stay in the division.

On the team news front Barnsley don’t look to have any fresh concerns as they approach this encounter. Several players passed late fitness tests against Derby in their last game, but all of those came through unscathed and Mark Robins could keep the same team. The visitors meanwhile are in the same boat although Ian Baraclough is still without several key players. Paul Reid, Chris Dagnall, Joe Murphy and Cliff Byrne are all still sat on the treatment table and won’t be available for a few weeks.

Barnsley have a fairly decent record at home but the Tykes have been poor recently and we think Scunthorpe could get something from this one. In a result that probably isn’t any good to anyone, we think this one could end goalless.

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Sunday, 20 February 2011

Portsmouth v Barnsley Preview

Both of these sides were tipped to struggle at the start of the campaign and as it stands, neither is yet safe. However, with Barnsley now on forty one points, it would take a disastrous run of form to see them relegated. Portsmouth meanwhile have a little more to do and with the Fratton Park outfit on a total of thirty five points, they are certainly still looking over their shoulder.

Portsmouth’s season has most definitely been an interesting one, full of ups and downs. After an absolute horror show of a start, Steve Cotterill’s men did have something of a purple patch and there was talk that they could even sneak their way up to the playoffs. However, they’ve slipped back a little now and with the club currently sat in 18th spot, there primary aim is to avoid relegation. Their form of late hasn’t been the best and having lost five of their last eight, they are seemingly a club in decline. On a more positive note, Pompey did manage victory over Doncaster in their last outing and that should at least provide them with some confidence as they approach this game.

Barnsley on the other hand have enjoyed a superb season by their standards and while it appears highly unlikely for the Tykes to challenge for a top six place, their supporters will still be absolutely delighted with the way this season has turned out. The club are currently sat in 14th position and with eleven points separating them from the bottom three, those pre-season predictions of a relegation struggle appear to have dispersed. Of course, a mid-table position brings inconsistency and that is obvious from Barnsley’s last six games which has seen them win two, lose two and draw two. However, having rescued a point in the last kick of the game against Ipswich last weekend, they will have given their confidence a huge boost.

As for team news, Portsmouth are hoping to include David Cotterill if his transfer from Swansea is completed in time. Elsewhere, Jonathon Hogg won’t be featuring due to suspension, but Steve Cotterill will have Aaron Mokoena back in contention after his work permit was renewed. Barnsley meanwhile are tipped to name a new signing of their own after signing Paul McShane on loan from Hull during the week. McShane will replace the injured Stephen Foster, while the Tykes will also be without Hugo Colace who picked up an injury in training and is expected to miss the next month.

As for a prediction, we’re going to go for the draw. Portsmouth may hold the home advantage, but their recent form isn’t the best and we think Barnsley will be good value for a point 2-2.

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Tuesday, 25 January 2011

Doncaster v Barnsley Preview

This rearranged South Yorkshire derby promises to be a cracking encounter, with these two sides right beside each other in the table having accumulated the same amount of points. While both are small clubs in comparison to many in the division, both have managed to cement solid league positions with Doncaster entering this game in 15th spot while Barnsley are in 16th.

Since entering the division a few years ago, Doncaster have become renowned for being a team with not many goals in them

Saturday, 22 January 2011

Barnsley v Swansea Preview

Posted on January 22nd, 2011 in English Championship

While many may view this game as pretty dour in comparison with the rest of the fixture schedule, the fact is that the result here could have a huge bearing on the promotion showdown. Results last week meant that Swansea rose to 2nd in the table and with Brendan Rodgers’ men now holding a two point advantage over 3rd place Cardiff, a fixture against a side in the bottom half gives them an excellent opportunity to strengthen their promotion bid.

Barnsley may well be in the bottom half, but their current position is one that the vast majority of their supporters would take immediately if offered at the end of the campaign. The Tykes operate on an extremely tight budget and manager Mark Robins has been applauded on many occasions on how he’s turned the Oakwell outfit around. However, his job has been made even harder this week with the news that star player Adam Hammill has joined Wolves in a deal that will only net the club

Monday, 20 December 2010

Millwall v Barnsley Preview

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

Monday, 6 December 2010

Barnsley v Watford Preview

These are two teams who were tipped to struggle at the start of the season yet both are performing rather well, with Barnsley sat in 12th spot while Watford are in 14th. However, it’s still early doors and despite occupying mid-table positions now, both managers know how tight this league is and how easy it is to plummet. On the flip side, both know that a couple of good results can catapult a team and actually, the top six are not too far from either.

Just like many teams in the division, Barnsley have experienced something of a rollercoaster campaign and their fans just don’t believe their eyes at some points. The Tykes looked something of a lost cause a few weeks ago after putting in an awful performance to be comfortably beaten 2-0 at home to Leicester. That put them on the brink of the bottom three yet amazingly, they responded with three consecutive victories against Preston, Ipswich and Portsmouth. Those wins were even more the surprising considering two were away from home

Monday, 15 November 2010

Ipswich v Barnsley Preview

This is a fixture involving two highly inconsistent sides although despite that, one of them have still managed to be up there pushing for a playoff place. They may never be able to string together long bouts of results but Ipswich sit in 7th place, with goal difference being the only obstacle from the playoffs. Barnsley meanwhile are not faring so well and despite managing three points on Tuesday, the Tykes are down in 18th place.

Nobody knew quite what to expect from Ipswich this term, with the Tractor Boys spending very little money in comparison to the previous season. There’s no doubt that after promising promotion within two years after arriving at the club, the pressure is certainly on Roy Keane to deliver this term. There’s already been speculation regarding his contract renewal and you’d have to think that the Ipswich owners will wait until late before making a decision on his future. It appears to be very little things that are stopping Ipswich from making a serious promotion push though as they have proved time after time this season that they are capable of grinding out results. However, they are simply not consistent enough and this was proven yet again in their last outing where they were soundly beaten at home to Derby. The fact that Keane has never masterminded three straight victories says plenty about the Tractor Boys and while they do sit right on the edge of the top six, there is still plenty of work to do if they are to break into that cluster of teams.

Barnsley on the other hand could only wish that they had Ipswich’s

Sunday, 7 November 2010

Barnsley v Leicester Preview

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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Tuesday, 2 November 2010

Barnsley v Hull Preview

This is a game featuring two sides both on a downward slope and for that reason, both managers will see it as a must-win fixture. Having started the season well, Barnsley are on a real downer and Mark Robins will be hoping that his side can bounce back from recent poor form and improve on their position of 17th. Hull meanwhile have been relatively poor all season and Nigel Pearson must be wondering just what he has to do to lift his Tigers side from 19th place.

Barnsley are a side always tipped for the drop, probably due to the small budget the Yorkshire club operate under. That meant that when Mark Robins’ men enjoyed a start that saw them hover around the top six for a few weeks there were many surprised faces. However, things have completely tailed off in recent weeks and Tykes fans are becoming increasingly concerned about their club’s form. They’ve recorded just the one victory out of their last seven although the biggest worry will be the away form

Monday, 25 October 2010

Coventry v Barnsley Preview

With both of these sides struggling down at the wrong end of table in the past, similar was expected this term. However, both sides are currently defying those predictions as Coventry sit in 9th spot while Barnsley are several places lower in 16th. However, both lost their last game and with the division being so tight at the moment, both managers will know the importance of bouncing back.

Coventry supporters must be very happy with their season and the work that Aidy Boothroyd has done in his short time at the club. While there were early doubts on Boothroyd’s appointment, he’s seemingly transformed them into a team battling in the lower regions of the table to one that is very close to breaking into the playoffs. As it stands they sit in 9th spot, two points away from the top six, having accumulated eighteen points from the opening twelve fixtures. Recent form has been relatively good as well although after recording two wins from three, they then went down 2-1 at home to Cardiff in their last outing. However, it took until the 87th minute for the Bluebirds to net the winner in that game and with Cardiff riding so high, Coventry can still take great heart from that performance.

While Barnsley supporters probably should be happy with their current position, a few fans are getting increasingly frustrated with how their season is heading. For the past few years the Tykes have had severe problems on the road and it still doesn’t seem as though Mark Robins has addressed this, with the club without an away win since February. That has meant that they’ve had to rely heavily on their home form which is obviously a huge burden to have. What’s more, the team often seem to crumble after conceding and their 3-0 defeat to Burnley, which saw them concede three goals in quick succession in the second half, was another example of this. The Tykes were tipped as relegation candidates at the start of the season and while they now sit in 16th, there’s no doubting that they must start getting results away from home if they are to survive.

It’s very quiet on the team news front for the home side who have no new concerns heading into this one. Aidy Boothroyd will be without the likes of Freddy Eastwood, Chris Hussey and James McPake but other than that, there are no other problems for the Sky Blues. Barnsley meanwhile were rocked midweek after Jay McEverley was forced under the knife following serious damage to his knee. However, Mark Robins worked fast and brought in Matt Hill on loan from Wolves and he is almost certainly going to be a direct replacement for the former Derby man.

As for a prediction, we fully expect a comfortable Coventry victory here. Barnsley haven’t won at Coventry for seventy seven years and combining that statistic with their dreadful away form at the moment, there’s only one conclusion for us

Thursday, 21 October 2010

Burnley v Barnsley Preview

Posted on October 19th, 2010 in English Championship

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

Sunday, 17 October 2010

Barnsley v Nottingham Forest Preview

There is a huge difference in the size and history of these two sides yet just a few places are between Barnsley and Nottingham Forest. It’s been a fairly inconsistent campaign for both clubs with the Tykes sat in 15th, while Forest occupy 11th spot.

Barnsley started the season in explosive fashion by their standards and despite being thrashed in their opening game, they put together some very good form that had them flirting with the top six at one point. However, since a memorable 5-2 victory over local rivals Leeds, their form has dwindled and they have collected just two points from their last four games. This form has put them into 15th position and while Mark Robins would probably welcome that finish at the end of the season, there is still a long way to go and plenty of points to achieve in order to guarantee safety. The club are still without a win on the road in the league since February and with that, it’s vital that they start to pick points up at Oakwell again.

It’s certainly been a strange season for opponents Nottingham Forest who at one point in the season appeared to be in all sorts of problems. With poor results and Billy Davies venting his frustrations in public they appeared to be in major disarray, but things have since calmed down and the club now sit in 11th position. It would be fair to say that the ship has now steadied and an unbeaten run of nine games certainly sounds impressive at first, but with seven of those being draws it’s something that still needs to be improved. However, the club reached the playoffs in the last campaign with the same points total at this stage, so it’s definitely not all bad news.

As for team news, Mark Robins just has one problem heading into this one as he sweats on the fitness of Jeronimo Neumann. However, with the summer signing yet to make a start for the club, it shouldn’t hinder Robins’ preparations too much. Nottingham Forest strangely have some managerial news for this game, with illness keeping Billy Davies away from this one. Instead, his assistant David Kelly will take charge and he just has the one piece of team news to contend with. Having missed the previous three games with a thigh problem, it does not seem likely that Rob Earnshaw will be fit this time around either and he’ll be left on the treatment table once again.

Barnsley are coming into this game with some poor form, while Nottingham Forest have strung together a very good unbeaten run lately. However, most of Forest’s results have been draws and with the City Ground outfit having a poor record at Oakwell, we’re going to predict another draw here

Tuesday, 5 October 2010

Barnsley v Cardiff Preview

After both experienced good starts to the season, these two sides are looking to get back into some form after some poor results in recent weeks. Despite these results, both managers will probably be happy with their current positions as Barnsley occupy 13th while Cardiff sit in 2nd place.

Barnsley’s season has been highly inconsistent

Friday, 1 October 2010

Scunthorpe v Barnsley Preview

Just two places separate these two sides in the league and with very little distance separating the clubs, there could be a decent atmosphere at Glanford Park. Both sides have enjoyed respectable starts to the season and despite both being tipped as relegation certainties by the bookies, they both sit just below the mid-table mark.

Their lack of resources means that Scunthorpe are always tipped to struggle although the Iron should be applauded for their position of 16th considering the extra turmoil at Glanford Park. The club lost the highly respected Nigel Adkins to Southampton earlier in the season and it was only last week that Ian Baraclough was promoted from within to take over permanently. Baraclough experienced some very good results and performances during the spell when he was just caretaker boss and the Iron netted another good result by drawing 1-1 with Ipswich in his first game in charge after being handed the reins full time. All in all the Iron’s start to the season is impressive having collected ten points from the first eight games. However, they are still tipped for relegation and at 39, Baraclough’s inexperience is still under question.

Barnsley are one of the strange performers of the league although their supporters would no doubt accept their current position of 14th. They’ve become a highly inconsistent outfit and it’s become clear that Mark Robins’ men will be relying heavily on home form. The club are without a victory on the road since February and having conceded twelve goals in four away fixtures, it seems as though they have some serious problems at the back. However, on the flip side they appear lethal in front of goal and having scored thirteen already, they are one of the division’s top scorers. However, Robins will know the importance of resurrecting this away form and in Scunthorpe, he’ll see an excellent opportunity to jump start things.

It’s mixed news on the team news front for Scunthorpe who look set to be without duo Garry Thompson and Jim McNulty. On the positive side, Rob Jones should feature having shaken off a knee problem. It’s a similar story for Barnsley who are definitely without Jay McEveley through a foot injury, while Garry O’Connor is touch and go as he struggles with a groin issue. Should O’Connor not pull through, Andy Gray is tipped to replace the on loan Birmingham man.

Barnsley might be a couple of places higher in the league, but their away form is dismal and we fully expect Scunthorpe to capitalize in this one. A change in manager often brings the best out of a team and with that, we’ll predict a comfortable home victory for the Iron

Saturday, 18 September 2010

Barnsley v Derby Preview

Posted on September 18th, 2010 in English Championship

Most bookmakers predicted Barnsley to struggle in this campaign, while Derby were tipped to have a season of stability. The first six games have gone against those expectations though and Barnsley are flying in 7th place, while Derby are in the relegation zone. The Tykes are coming off the back of a memorable 5-2 victory over local rivals Leeds and with a 100% home record to their name, Derby really will have their work cut out.

Mark Robins could not have been happier with the start Barnsley have made and it probably goes beyond what he expected after six games. The Tykes have collected ten points and it’s just goal difference that is keeping them out of the playoff places. It’s the best start they have made in years and with that, morale amongst supporters is very high. Robins will be most pleased with the amount of goals his side have scored and despite many fans crying out for a new striker during the summer, the Tykes are the division’s second top scorers having bagged twelve already this season. Supporters are also extremely happy with the recent signing of Birmingham striker Garry O’Connor, who played a big part in the club’s victory midweek and managed to get on the score sheet as well. However, his loan deal only lasts a month and the club may only have a chance of extending that should they continue this good form.

Derby supporters on the other hand will not be satisfied with their team. The Rams have just won once this season having started the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Leeds. Since then it’s been defeat after defeat and having recorded four losses and one draw in their last five games, it would be fair to say they are in something of a rut. While Nigel Clough is something of a hero at Pride Park after his playing days, as a manager he hasn’t made an impact and fans will be wondering if it might be time to make a change soon. Clough has managed to bolster his strike force in recent weeks with the signings of Alberto Bueno and Shefki Kuqi, but you can’t help but wonder if there are bigger problems the club needs to sort out.

Mark Robins is not expected to make changes following the victory over Leeds on Tuesday, even though Hugo Colace has now returned to full fitness. It’s a little more eventful for County on the other hand who are poised to give a late fitness test to Gareth Roberts who is struggling with a hamstring strain. Should Roberts not make it, Dean Moxey will continue to deputise.

You won’t find two sets of supporters so different on the morale scale, with Barnsley fans absolutely flying while the Rams support is at something of a low. With the confidence of Tuesday, we think the home side will net a comfortable victory here and put Derby in even more trouble

Sunday, 12 September 2010

Norwich v Barnsley Preview

Posted on September 11th, 2010 in English Championship

Following their surge through League One last season, expectations were mixed for Norwich as they entered the Championship again. Opponents Barnsley on the other hand have grown used to the relegation tag they’re handed at the start of every season, although as it stands these two sides are on the exact number of points. Norwich sit a few places higher on goal difference, but both managers will be very happy with the return of seven points from their opening four games.

In general, expectations were relatively high amongst supporters at Norwich and it appears as though very few expected the relegation struggle that most newly promoted side’s experience. With the highly regarded Paul Lambert as boss and a huge fan base as well, many of their supporters thought that they could more than hold their own in the division. As it stands, that appears true and the Canaries currently sit in 7th place following two victories, one defeat and one draw. They are unbeaten in the league since the opening day of the season and having not lost at home to Barnsley since 1937, they should feel confident about that run extending in this one.

Barnsley also lost their opening league game and just like Norwich, they haven’t looked back since. A 4-0 opening day thrashing to QPR put them at the bottom of the league, but since then they’ve managed victories over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough as well as an eventful draw with Bristol City. The Tykes are always regarded as relegation candidates although after turning their fortunes around last season, Mark Robins will be hoping he can defy the odds again in this campaign. Just like his counterpart Lambert at Norwich, Robins is seen as an excellent young manager and should he manage to keep the Tykes afloat, he may have several suitors later on in the season.

As for team news, Norwich have been hit with several problems heading into this one and could be without three players. Michael Nelson, Steven Smith and Zak Whitbread are all on the treatment table and have already been declared unavailable. On the positive side, Andrew Crofts could feature having fully recovered from an ankle problem. The visitors on the other hand have just the one concern in Hugo Colace. The Argentine is struggling with a calf strain although former Hull City man Nathan Doyle is waiting in the wings to replace him. Striker Garry O’Connor, signed on loan from Birmingham on Friday, could feature if the relevant paperwork is completed in time.

Every team has a bogey team and for Barnsley, it appears to be Norwich. The Tykes have a dismal record at Carrow Road and while they have hit some good form recently, we think this will be a relatively straightforward game for the Canaries

Friday, 27 August 2010

Barnsley v Middlesbrough Preview

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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Sunday, 22 August 2010

Bristol City v Barnsley Preview

It would be fair to say that both of these clubs are still trying to find their feet after the opening games of the season. Great things were expected of Bristol City after a productive summer but following Steve Coppell’s departure just two games into the campaign, it now remains to be seen how the Robins will size up. Barnsley on the other hand are always tipped as relegation favourites and a 4-0 opening day defeat did nothing to dispel those predictions. However, a victory over Crystal Palace in their last outing means the Tykes now have points on the board and just like City, the club’s supporters are unsure of what to expect.

Bristol City’s fans may feel as though they are in limbo and all of that pre-season optimism has now evaporated. In Steve Coppell they had arguably the best manager in the league and when the former Reading supremo brought the likes of David James, Nicky Hunt and Damion Stewart into the club, City looked a genuine force for promotion. However, just two games into the season and Coppell quit

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