Tykes v Blades - Preview

Although there may be great expectation ahead of tomorrow`s big South Yorkshire derby, both sets of fans may have to settle for tight and ruthless displays.

When United`s steel city rivals Sheffield Wednesday visited Oakwell a few weeks back, both side battled out a goalless draw with clear cut chances few and far between.

Team news for both sides includes Barnsley`s Bobby Hassell return from a dead leg, and the Blade`s £4million hit-man James Beattie has trained this week after shaking off a groin injury, although Billy Sharp may keep his partnership alongside Rob Hulse up front.

Cup Fever

The Barnsley boys may have an F.A Cup semi-final lurking in the back of their minds but the league is where they earn their wages and need to pick up points to ease relegation fears.

The Blades however have just reached the 50 point barrier and if they can continue their recent good run of form including three wins on the bounce, might still be in with a sneaky chance of reaching the play-offs.


Prediction

It looks as though the red`s home form may just keep United at bay if the Oakwell faithful can get behind their team. A tight affair appears to be in store, so let`s go for a score draw.