Peterborough United V Barnsley: Match Preview

Barnsley Team News:

Following the midweek defeat to Man Utd in the Carling Cup, Barnsley manager Mark Robins is boosted by the return of four players who were cup tied. Andy Gray, Nathan Doyle, Ryan Shotton and Carl Dickinson are all back in contention for a start. Shotton served his suspension in the Man Utd game even though he was cup tied.

Robins' only worried are Emil Hallfredsson and Adam Hammill, who both picked up knocks on Tuesday but could still stake a claim for a place. Jamal Campbell-Ryce could come into the side with Hammill sidelined.

Bobby Hassell is also in contention to play. He was an unused substitute on Tuesday night after recovering from an ankle injury.

Player to watch: Anderson Da Silva

Anderson had a good game on Tuesday and almost capped the performance off with a goal. If he finds his shooting boots he is the most gifted player at the club.


Peterborough United Team News:

Coming back into league action after a humbling at Ewood Park in the Carling Cup, Peterborough will be looking to close the gap between themselves and fellow Championship strugglers Barnsley.

The Posh are without their first choice goalkeeper Joe Lewis who is suspended, but they have brought in an able replacement in Manchester United 'keeper Ben Amos. No nepotism going on at all there then.

Striker Craig Mackail-Smith also faces a late fitness test before the match.

Player to watch: George Boyd

Boyd is in fine form for Peterborough with four goals in his last four appearances and will surely give the defence a tough time. I'd back him to grab a goal against us.

Previous Meetings:

These teams last met in League 1 in the 2004/05 campaign, with the Reds doing the double of the Posh, plundering an aggregate of 7 goals. Barnsley inflicted a 4-0 drubbing on their visitors in December 2004, courtesy of a Michael Chopra hat-trick and a strike from Chris Shuker.

The return fixture in March saw the Reds complete the double with a 3-1 win. Chopra and Shuker were on the scoresheet once again, with Nardiello completing the scoreline in injury time after Andy Legg had cancelled out Chopra's opener.


Ref Watch:

Carl Boyeson

Boyeson is from East Yorkshire and took charge of Doncaster Rovers V Coventry City this season, dishing out two bookings and no red cards.


Match Prediction:

Both these teams suffered defeats in the Carling Cup in midweek at the hands of Premiership opposition and will definitely be looking to put those woes behind them. Peterborough's defensive frailties were exploited fully by Blackburn Rovers resulting in a 5-2 drubbing. Barnsley had the most chances to score any team has had against the Premier League Champions since Chelsea in the Community Shield but perhaps the nerves on the night impeded their shooting, which prior to the game had begun to pick up. A mistake early on and a bit of class from an England striker were the only difference between Barnsley and Man Utd. On this I'm going to go for a Barnsley win. (Suprise Suprise!)

Verdict: 1-2

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