QPR v Barnsley Preview

Posted on | September 25, 2009 | No Comments

There have been huge changes for Barnsley in the last few weeks, with the Tykes relieving Simon Davey of his duties and replacing him with Rotherham boss Mark Robins. So far it’s looked like a shrewd move as well, with the Oakwell outfit recording two victories in their last three games. Home side QPR are also in good form as well though, with the R’s unbeaten in their last four league games.

QPR come into this game having only been narrowly beaten by Premiership giants Chelsea. The R’s put in a battling display and only just came up short, although manager Jim Magilton must be satisfied with his side’s performance in the league. As it stands the club are sat in 12th position on ten points, with eight of those coming in the last four games. However, bankrolled by multi-billionaires, a mid-table position won’t be sufficient and Magilton will know that his side needs to climb the table if he is to stay in a job.

There’s been plenty happening at Barnsley in recent weeks and it all started after the club lost 3-1 to Reading a few weeks ago. That prompted officials to act and replace Simon Davey with Mark Robins and so far, the results have been promising. The Tykes have played four games under the former Manchester United striker and having only lost one of those, there has certainly been a good improvement. In their last outing they recorded a shock 3-2 victory over Premiership side Burnley and that performance has earned them rave reviews from pundits around the country. However, they’re still rooted in the relegation zone and having only accumulated five points all season, this good form needs to continue if they are to survive in the division.

As for team news, QPR have a few problems with Matt Connolly, Fitz Hall and Angelo Balanta all doubtful. Connolly has just been struck down with glandular fever, while both Hall and Balanta are nowhere near fit enough to feature for the first team. One of the main things Mark Robins has done to his Barnsley team since arriving is bolster it with new faces. Up to three players could make their debuts this weekend, with Ryan Shotton, Carl Dickinson and Suad Filekovic all battling for a starting place. However, there are still doubts over Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Darren Moore and Emil Halfredsson and Robins will leave it until the last minute before making a decision on the trio.

Both of these sides are in good form, but history suggests that QPR should be clear favourites for this one. The R’s have not lost at home to Barnsley in nineteen games and having won sixteen of those fixtures, they certainly have the upper hand. Barnsley may have put together some good form of late but so have the R’s and considering the history, we’ll predict a 3-1 victory for the home side.

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1. Coventry v Barnsley Preview
2. Barnsley v Hull Preview
3. Barnsley v Watford Preview
4. Millwall v Barnsley Preview
5. Leeds v Barnsley Preview

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