Doncaster v Barnsley Preview
These two sides come into this South Yorkshire derby level on points and with the aim of dragging themselves away from the relegation zone. Doncaster currently sit in 18th position, while Barnsley are a couple of places lower in 20th.
The loss of several key players through the summer has meant that Doncaster were always going to struggle this season and having slipped to 18th in the table, it looks as though they could be set for a relegation battle. While Rovers have lost just two league games this season, they’ve drawn a ridiculous figure and that’s meant that they’ve accumulated just eleven points so far. Their last win came way back at the end of August and with that, they’re desperate for a victory. Still, in their last game they proved they can compete with the best and managed a 1-1 result against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Managed by the highly respected Sean O’Driscoll, Rovers supporters will be hoping their side has enough to climb the table and build on last season’s impressive finish.
Barnsley on the other hand seem to be progressing and Mark Robins has done a fantastic job after taking over at the start of September. The Tykes were rooted to the foot of the table without win to the name but since Robins’ arrival, they’ve come on leaps and bounds. They’ve won their last two games and Robins has also masterminded a cup run which will see them face Manchester United in the fourth round of the Carling Cup next week. However, most new managers are renowned for having good starts and it remains to be seen whether or not Barnsley’s current form will continue as Robins gets more settled into his new job.
As for team news, Doncaster have a host of injury problems and Sean O’Driscoll really does have a selection headache. Brian Stock, Adam Lockwood, Mark Wilson, James Coppinger, Sean McDaid and Byron Webster are all injured while Quinton Fortune and John Oster will both miss out through suspension. This led to O’Driscoll dipping into the loan market and having arrived from Southampton earlier in the week, Simon Gillett is tipped to make his debut. It’s a completely different story for Barnsley who have virtually a full strength side to choose from. Other than Bobby Hassell, the Tykes have no injury concerns and it looks like Mark Robins could be spoilt for choice.
Doncaster haven’t yet lost a home game and while their squad is severely depleted through injuries, we expect that to continue here. Barnsley are in great form but with this being a derby, that doesn’t particularly matter. We’ll go for a draw – 0-0.
