Barnsley v Doncaster Preview

Posted on | March 27, 2010 | No Comments

Some would say that these two South Yorkshire sides have nothing to play for, although both managers will no doubt disagree. With Barnsley situated on forty nine points you’d assume that they need one more win to guarantee survival. Doncaster on the other hand are chasing something of a dream, with Sean O’Driscoll’s men a few places higher and have an outside chance of the play offs.

Barnsley manager Mark Robins has spoken of his frustration in recent weeks, with the Tykes unable to string any type of form together. There have been times when pundits have spoken of the play offs, but to do that the Tykes will have to improve their consistency considerably. Having beaten promotion chasing Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks ago, Robins’ men then lost their next two games against Ipswich and Bristol City – two sides positioned below them. However, they were tipped as relegation favorites at the start of the season and at the moment it looks as though they’ll finish in mid-table. For the last few years their supporters have been used to fighting right to the end, so this campaign can be considered as nothing but a success and they know that one more win will all but guarantee their safety.

While Barnsley have had a very good season, Doncaster’s has been majestic. Rovers operate on one of the smallest budgets in the division yet Sean O’Driscoll has managed to propel them into 10th position. As it stands they are seven points away from the top six and with seven games remaining, you’d have to say that it’s doubtful of them reaching them. However, even a top half finish would be a superb achievement – especially after O’Driscoll was forced to sell key players before the season started. They lost their last game to league leaders Newcastle, but before that they were unbeaten in six and one of the form sides in the division.

As for team news, Barnsley could be boosted with the return of Rob Kozluk and Adam Hammill. Kozluk has been out of action for the past nine weeks with a knee problem, while Hammill has been nursing a hamstring injury. Kozluk’s return could spell the end for youngster Luke Potter, who has been deputizing at left back following Carl Dickinson’s serious ankle injury. There’s just one piece of news for Doncaster and that surrounds James Coppinger. Coppinger was forced to miss Rovers’ previous game against Newcastle but now the winger is back available and tipped to be thrown straight back into the starting eleven.

As for a prediction, we’re expecting a draw. Barnsley have been very strong at home in recent weeks, winning five of their last eight games at Oakwell. Doncaster meanwhile have been promising on the road and have been victorious in three of their last five outings. With that, we’ll predict a 2-2 score line.

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