Reds v Rams - Preview

Two teams without a League win so far.

It is a sad fact that in today's world of football, particularly in England, fans are quick to jump on their club or manager's back. Whereas a few straight league wins can transform a club's fortunes, especially at this extremely early stage of the season.

Some fans may want Davey out, some believe he should be given more time. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the fact of the matter is, eleven players in Red will walk onto the pitch tomorrow and they will need the vocal backing of the apparent 'faithful'.

Both side's bosses have been under fire from the Media and their respective supporters, however people are quicker to criticise than to praise in the world of football.

Simon Davey told barnsleyfc.co.uk:

'Derby will be a test for us. I saw them beat Preston the other night and, even though they have swapped and changed things this season, i expect them to go with the same squad on Saturday.

'The players know just what is expected of them this weekend. We have to go out and beat Derby.'

Speaking to Rams World after Derby's Cup victory on Tuesday, Paul Jewell said:

'People have been writing us off from day one but there is a long way to go and hopefully we can take the confidence from Tuesday into Saturday.'

Iain Hume and Marciano Van Homoet are expected to come back into the squad after serving their one and three-match suspensions respectively.

It is likely Hume will partner Jon Macken in attack. Although it will be interesting to see who plays alongthe backline, after Darren Moore has come under a lot of scrutiny from fans in recent games.

Injured/missing players: Anderson de Silva, Heinz Muller, Maceo Rigters, Michael Coulson, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Gary Teale

Brian Howard

Speculation regarding the star midfielder's future may still be rife, but Howard has still been battling at his best in Barnsley's opening few fixtures. Going close at Birmingham last weekend, and opening his account with a scorcher the Saturday before against Coventry, surely Howard is a hot favourite to break the back of the net tomorrow.

Nathan Ellington should return to the starting XI after missing out on the Rams' midweek Carling Cup victory over Preston.

Connoly, Stewart, Leacock and Addison are all expected to feature.

It simply has to be Paul Green.

The former Donny man scored against the Reds at Belle Vue in Barnsley's South Yorkshire derby defeat to Rovers back in 2005. It is more than likely the midfielder who left Rovers for the Rams in the Summer, will come back to haunt the Reds once again.

Green has starred in all 5 of Derby's League and Cup matches this season, notching up two goals in the process.

Barnsley 2 Derby County 1: It will be an extremely tight affair with both sides searching for their first win of the season, but if the Oakwell boys get behind their team, I reckon the Tykes can sneak a win.

Both sides will have a few players featuring for their country during the international break. On return, each team will be facing:

Saturday 13th September:

Barnsley: Blackpool (a)

Derby County: Sheff Utd (h)

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