Leicester v Barnsley Preview

Posted on | August 21, 2009 | No Comments

These clubs have had contrasting starts and while Leicester fans will be delighted with the way their side has begun the new season, Barnsley supporters will not be happy at all. The Foxes have collected five points out of a possible nine which is a remarkable achievement for a club who have only just gained promotion into the division. Barnsley on the other hand don’t look to have improved at all from last season and have collected just the one point after back-to-back home defeats.

Leicester’s opening fixtures were by no means easy, but Nigel Pearson’s men have raised a few eyebrows and convinced many people they have more than what it takes to stay in this division. Following an opening day victory over Swansea, the Foxes have since recorded draws over Ipswich and Sheffield United which is certainly no mean feat considering the ambitions and vast budgets of both of those sides. In between those games was a comfortable 2-0 victory over Macclesfield, so the Walkers Stadium outfit really have started this season on fire and will probably be looking to extend their ambitions.

It couldn’t be more different for Barnsley who now sit bottom of the league with just one point. On the opening day they launched a superb fight back to nick a draw with Sheffield Wednesday and then followed that with a 1-0 victory over Lincoln in the Carling Cup. Since then, it’s all gone south though. A section of the club’s support were calling for Simon Davey’s head after the Tykes slipped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Preston – just days after being beaten 2-0 by Coventry. Admittedly, they have been slightly unfortunate with transfers, with both Emil Hallfredsson and O’Neil Thompson still waiting to make their debut due to problems with their international clearance. Still though, it appears as though there are big problems at Oakwell and following last season’s disappointing league finish, Davey may not have long to turn it around.

Leicester have been given a boost in their striking ranks for this one after Nigel Pearson completed the signing of Paul Gallagher. Gallagher will go straight into contention and has a good chance of starting due to Steve Howard’s hamstring injury. Another player missing is Martin Waghorn, who is also suffering with a hamstring problem. Barnsley have also been handed good news after completing the signings of Andy Gray and Emil Hallfredsson. Hallfredsson actually agreed his transfer last week but has now received the relevant clearance. Elsewhere, Rob Kozluk could return to the squad having completed a one match suspension.

As for a prediction, we think Leicester will continue their good start to their season and record a comfortable victory here. Barnsley have already conceded seven league goals and with that, we think the Foxes could win this one 2-0.

Related posts:

1. Barnsley v Leicester Preview
2. Barnsley v Leicester Preview
3. Derby v Leicester Preview
4. Leicester v Scunthorpe Preview
5. Leicester v Preston Preview

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