Barnsley v Doncaster Preview
Posted on | October 3, 2008 | No Comments
It’s a local derby between two sides in the relegation zone and two sides who don’t score many goals, so we’re not expecting a spectacular. Even at this stage of the season a defeat for either could have serious consequences, especially for Barnsley manager Simon Davey who is under an immense amount of pressure after just masterminding one win this season.
Things got worse for The Reds on Tuesday evening, with a 3-0 defeat at Ipswich creating a further gap in the relegation area. Two howlers from goalkeeper Heinz Muller played a big part in that result, although most of the talk after the game was on the debut of 15-year-old Reuben Noble-Lazarus. The teenager became the youngest ever player to feature in a Football League game although if Barnsley are starting to count on players of that stature, perhaps their troubles are bigger than they thought. They now haven’t scored a goal in their last five games so it’s obvious that their problems are quite severe and that could mean the end of Simon Davey should they lose on Saturday.
It’s a similar story for local rivals Doncaster, who have been just as dismal in front of goal this season having just scored four goals throughout the campaign. After starting the season so well with wins against Derby and Coventry in the early weeks, fans were optimistic about their first season back in the Championship yet things have quickly gone downhill. They’ve lost all of their last five matches and with the club now sat in the relegation zone, the pressure will mount should this poor form continue. They were amongst the favorites to be relegated this season yet if Sean O’Driscoll doesn’t resolve his sides clear goal scoring problems, they could go down a lot more comfortably than anyone expected. Without a doubt, considering the similar situations of both clubs, Saturday’s game is massive and it’s more than just local pride at stake.
Barnsley manager Simon Davey looks set to be without just two players for this game, with Hugo Colace and Michael Coulson being the duo in question. Colace missed the midweek defeat to Ipswich through an ankle problem while Coulson is still nursing an ACL injury. Reuben Noble-Lazarus, the 15-year-old that’s been at the centre of the national press this week, will be hopeful of being named on the bench once again. As for Doncaster, Sean O’Driscoll just has two doubts. Richie Wellens is struggling with a groin injury while Brian Stock will be given a late fitness test due to a back problem.
Both sides are in dismal form although according to their supporters, Barnsley have been at least performing well and it’s just been converting chances that’s been the problem. It seems a similar story for Doncaster as well but with The Tykes having the home advantage, we’ll have to predict a win for the Oakwell outfit. We’ll go for a narrow 1-0 home victory.
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