Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's visit to Ashton Gate as the Reds take on the Robins!
This trip to the South West is the start of a very big week for Barnsley, a three-game period that could very well determine our trajectory moving forward in 21/22.
A trio of fixtures against sides who are also finding life difficult in the Sky Bet Championship this season, it's a huge opportunity to reignite the campaign and to finally put an end to one of the worst runs of form in living memory.
The Reds have lost their last six matches in succession. For the first time - at this level - since 1959.
Last weekend's derby day defeat against Sheffield United at Oakwell meant the Reds were only off the bottom of the table because Derby County have had 12 points deducted, and this weekend, if results go the wrong way, the Rams could jump Barnsley, which says plenty about the club's start to the season.
The two goals scored against the Blades were our first from open play since the end of August. That was also the first time we'd scored more than one goal in a game, since QPR away, in mid-August.
Autumnal suffering, indeed. But as we approach the winter months, and with a kinder-looking run of fixtures ahead of us, it's pretty much now or never for the Reds and their head coach, Markus Schopp.
At 3-0 down last Sunday, Oakwell voices called for the Austrian's removal whilst his players finally showed a bit of mettle, as they threatened an astonishing comeback. Substitutes Devante Cole and Aaron Leya Iseka scored two very well-taken goals, the first of the season for both men and it's to be hoped that Barnsley take confidence from that 15-minute spell at the end of the South Yorkshire derby.
Schopp has admitted that he's almost got a full squad of players to choose from now, for the first time since his appointment. A few are probably another one or two weeks away from figuring in the starting lineup, but after the international break, he expects a full complement.
Saturday then, sees the Reds head down to Bristol and Ashton Gate, hoping to replicate the result garnered there in February of this year, when Carlton Morris' late goal secured the most one-sided 1-0 victory you're ever likely to see.
That was City's last game before they appointed the experienced Nigel Pearson as manager, and after a brief positive impact, it's been a fairly morbid spell for the former Leicester City boss.
They haven't won a home game under his tutelage. They've not won at Ashton Gate since the end of January. That's 17 consecutive home games without success. But they're meeting a Reds side who haven't won an away game for six months. Something then, has to give.
It's a surprise to see the Robins struggling somewhat, considering the talent amongst Pearson's squad. Exciting youngsters such as Tyreeq Bakinson, Han-Noah Massengo and Antoine Semenyo are backed up by experienced campaigners like Chris Martin, Tomáš Kalas and Dan Bentley.
In midfield, the Robins added former Reds favourite Matty James to their ranks in the summer. The 30-year-old, who spent two separate spells at Oakwell on loan has played every minute for Bristol City this season.
But they've lost their last three games, and come into this clash in 17th position, but have double the points Barnsley have so far, thanks to four wins picked up on their travels.
They have scored just four goals on home soil, the lowest in the division, but both Chris Martin and Andi Weimann have grabbed four goals in the Sky Bet Championship already this term.
Our man in the middle on Saturday is Mr Thomas Bramall. The Sheffield-born official is refereeing at this level for a second season, but he's never taken charge of a game involving either the Reds or the Robins before.
In terms of domestic streaming, a reminder that the EFL returned to the position held pre-pandemic, where any games kicking off between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturday afternoons are prohibited.
However, supporters in the UK are able to buy audio passes via iFollow Barnsley.
Our overseas fans can enjoy live streaming of the game, with a match pass priced at £10.
For further information on iFollow for this season, and how to activate seasonal subscriptions, please click the link below.
