BARNSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB

Saturday 8th February 2014
Kick-off 3pm

This weekend, it is the turn of Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich side to visit Oakwell. Since losing last weekend’s local derby to Sheffield Wednesday, Danny Wilson’s Barnsley side will be hoping for all three points this time round.

The South Yorkshire derby last weekend was a fierce affair with referee Andre Marriner issuing three red cards during the game.

Despite still being 0-0 going into stoppage time, the fixture had by no means been a dull game. Both sides had looked competitive and it was the fact that Barnsley had been reduced to nine men that saw them loose the game in the seventh minute of five minutes added time.

Such a large amount of added time was necessary because of the stoppages during the game, including the three dismissals.

In the end the advantage that Wednesday found themselves with became too much for Barnsley to contest with and the game was lost when Wednesday forward Chris Maguire netted from 20 yards.

Reds boss Danny Wilson was disappointed that his side weren’t awarded a penalty that could have seen them take the lead, however after the game he expressed his feelings towards his players, saying: “I feel for the team as a whole because we were brilliant when we had 10 men. Mellis' red card was just stupidity but I think it was just frustration from the stonewall penalty being turned down. We could have won the game but instead we've lost it."

This last result means that Barnsley remain 23rd in the table ahead of today’s game and the fact that only five points separate them from safety means that escaping the drop is still a real prospect.

This will be the 42nd time that this fixture has been played in the Football League.

Barnsley wins over Ipswich- 12

Ipswich wins over Barnsley- 21

Draws- 8

The last three times that this fixture has been played have all ended in 1-1 draws, seeing both sides finding their matches with one another. 

One result against Ipswich that Reds fans may remember was the 4-1 victory in 2008 when Barnsley’s man of the moment Brian Howard got his name on the score sheet twice.

As well as meeting Ipswich at Wembley in the 1999/2000 play-offs, this fixture has carried significant importance over the years, helping to shape the top and bottom of the Championship.

Ipswich currently just four points away from the play-off positions and this season’s good league showing has so far been heavily reliant on David McGoldrick.

So far McGoldrick has contributed with 15 goals to Ipswich’s campaign and since joining Ipswich from Nottingham Forest, he hasn’t looked back.

Having struggled to make an impact at Forest, McGoldrick came into his own during loan moves away from the club. Since making his mark in the Ipswich squad, Blues boss Mick McCarthy has even refereed to him as the “talisman” of his team.

Barnsley’s Liam Lawrence is a well-known face in the game and his move to the Reds was one that brought attention from all corners of the English game.

Not only does Lawrence have Premier League experience, he also was part of the Stoke side that were promoted back to the top tier in the 2007/08 season. Barnsley boss Danny Wilson will surely be hoping that these attributes will help keep his side in the division.

So far, Lawrence has only made two substitute appearances for Barnsley but with the toll of last weekend’s derby to contest with, Wilson may be forced to change his side around.

Due to Emmanuel Frimpong getting sent off on his debut for Barnsley, he will not be featuring this weekend.

The same goes for Jacob Mellis who was also sent off in the derby against Sheffield Wednesday last time out. 

This means that Reds boss Danny Wilson will have to make some changes to his squad in preparation for the visit of Ipswich. Aside from the two suspensions, Wilson has no new injury concerns ahead of the game.

Some players on the verge of returning from injury featured in a friendly against a Preston XI during the week as several players were given the opportunity to get some time on the pitch after spells out. Amongst these players was Bobby Hassell who is nearing a return from injury.

Danny Wilson also made the point that Paddy McCourt is still a vital part of the squad, he said: “He has undoubted ability - possibly the most technically gifted. At times we are having to grind games out. There will come a time where Paddy can unlock a door for us but sadly the last few games haven't been that type of game. Paddy understands that situation, totally.”

The Tractor Boys on the other hand see Cole Skuse fit for Saturday and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is almost back to match fitness. The Blues continue to be without Luke Hyam as he is still recovering from a cut knee and Stephen Hunt is a fresh injury concern for Mick McCarthy as he has missed training this week due to a groin injury.

League Form

L- (A) Sheffield Wednesday 1-0

D- (H) Blackburn Rovers 2-2

W- (H) Blackpool 2-0

D- (A) Birmingham 1-1

L- (H) Derby 2-1

Last weekend’s derby loss to Sheffield Wednesday means that Barnsley’s record is only five points from five games. This form isn’t ideal for a side looking to do everything it can to avoid relegation and Danny Wilson will be hoping his side can pick up three points soon.

W- (H) Bolton 1-0

D- (A) Leeds 1-1

W- (H) Reading 2-0

L- (A) Millwall 1-0

L- (H) QPR 3-1

Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich haven’t been doing too badly recently, collecting seven points from their last five games.

Despite the record currently looking quite healthy, a gap is starting to emerge between themselves in 7th and the play-off places. Currently at four points after last weekend’s results, this gap could potentially increase further given the tough fixtures that lay ahead for the Blues.

Ipswich are odds on favourites to win at Oakwell with odds of 11/8 whilst Barnsley are priced at 19/10 to secure all three points. The odds for a draw are 23/10.

Chris O’Grady and David McGoldrick are both priced at 11/8 to score during the 90 minutes, whilst on loan Nick Proschwitz is priced at 6/4.

Why not back Dale Jennings to open his Reds account with the first goal tomorrow at 7/1?

To claim your £30 free bet with Sky Bet - click here and open your Barnsley account now, where every bet you place supports the Reds!

Referee- Darren Bond

Assistant Referees- Christopher Kavanagh and James Wilson 

Fourth Official- Graham Salisbury

How will you follow the action?
Tickets are available from the Oakwell Box Office for this fixture. Click here for more information. Reds supporters can pay via cash on the turnstiles for Adults, Under 18s and OAPs. Students and Under 12s tickets are only available from the Box Office.

If you can't make it to Oakwell, you can still listen to every kick live on Barnsley Player. Click here to open your account now and have exclusive access to every single Barnsley match of the season!

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