Relegation-threatened Barnsley will host play-off chasing Blackburn Rovers at Oakwell tonight. These Championship games are coming thick and fast and every match offers an opportunity for important points to be gained. None more so than this, with points at either end of the table available.
Barnsley Host Blackburn Rovers at Oakwell
Both Sides in Differing Form
Barnsley sit at the bottom of the Championship table, four points from safety. So they’re not down and out, but they need to pick up as many points as possible to take advantage as and when those above fall.
So far, they’ve done a good job of collecting points since football returned, having beaten Queens Park Rangers and drew with Millwall in low scoring encounters. Their goal difference of -19 is something that could be improved, though that looks unlikely, having failed to score more than once in their last six games.
Barnsley have picked up most of their 38 points at Oakwell, so will be glad to be hosting this one.
Blackburn Rovers are much higher in the table. They have picked up 56 points this season, just four points short of Cardiff City in the final the play-off place. Rovers have had a mixed return, beating Bristol City 3-1 at Ewood Park and losing 2-0 at Wigan Athletic.
Rovers have also picked up most of their points at home, so an away day isn’t necessarily desired. They haven’t won at Barnsley since December 2012. In their encounter at Ewood Park, Blackburn came out on top, winning 3-2. Starman Bradley Dack scored a brace that day, but he remains out of action.
Few Changes Expected for Barnsley
Tony Mowbray will be without John Buckley, who begins a suspension, and Corry Evans through injury.
Amari’i Bell and Derrick Williams could return to the squad.
Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber could name an unchanged side from their 0-0 draw with Millwall.
Barnsley to Frustrate Rovers
The Tykes can make this a tricky affair for Blackburn Rovers, who equally need the points, all be it, for different reasons. Barnsley’s current backline have a good recent record and can frustrate Blackburn this evening.
Prediction: Barnsley 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
Main Photo
