3.00 Saturday 22/12/2018
So here it is. The festive season has finally dawned and kicks off with the Tykes visiting Bloomfield Road, a side that Blackpool have already clashed with once this season. That game was in the Carabao Cup, with the Seasiders running out 3-1 victors, one of their steps on their way to the Emirates. Blackpool will hope to recreate a similar performance tomorrow, but this is the start of a very important festive period for Barnsley too, as they face direct rivals in that time including Peterborough and Charlton. This match is as important as it gets and the festive period, as a whole, could make or break either side's season.
Injuries and Suspensions:
For Blackpool Cullen, Ryan and Clayton are all certain to be out with doubt over Dodoo and Turton who have both picked up knocks in the last few games. Barnsley are expected to have both Doughall and Hedges out of action.
The History:
Founded in 1887 by Reverend Tiverton Preedy, originally being called Barnsley St Peter's, Barnsley have spent a record number of seasons in the second tier, and look to return this year. Donning in a red and white strip the Tykes play their football at the 23,009 capacity Oakwell, a place that has proved a real fortress for them this season. Their honours include winning the FA Cup in 1912 and recently winning the Football League Trophy, just two seasons ago. Ironically, their biggest cup victory came against the Seasiders in the FA Cup first round in 1910 when they thumped Pool 6-0.
The Manager:
44-year-old Daniel Stendal was appointed as Barnsley manager in June this year and it is fair to say he has made a good start, winning 50% of matches following the departure of Jose Morais, who had an unsuccessful stint at the club as he oversaw relegation from the Championship as they finished third from bottom.
Stendel, currently on a two-year contract, spent his playing career as a striker in Germany, notching over 100 goals in his career as he played for Hamburger SV, SV Meppen, FC Gutersloh, Hannover 96 and FC St. Pauli. His management career was born out of stepping up from his youth team role at Hannover 96. Despite a decent record at the club, winning 17, drawing 8 and losing 8, he was sacked in March 2017.
The Players:
When you look at their squad you can see why they are where they are. Class like George Moncur and Brad Potts has been kept from the Championship and they have also added some influential figures to the squad too. The likes of Styles, Williams, and Dougall all add quality to an already excellent Barnsley team.
The surprise of the season for them would be Kieffer Moore who has been on fire recently, accumulating 11 goals; goals that have been essential in firing Barnsley to 7th position. He will certainly be the danger man tomorrow.
Stats:
As has already been alluded to, their home form has been exceptional, picking up 2 points per game on average where, in contrast, they have only picked up 1.45 on the road. Barnsley, after rushing into an early lead in the League, have recently been distinctly poor. They have won just once in their last 5 matches, and with this run coming just prior to such a pivotal part of the season, it is a cause for concern.
They currently are perched in 7th position, just two points off the playoffs and could move into them if they manage to win tomorrow. If Blackpool win however, they will leapfrog the Tykes, although they have no chance of moving into the playoffs.
Prediction: 1-2
Last Meeting:
McPhillips Preview:
More Info:
https://footystats.org/clubs/england/barnsley-fc
https://twitter.com/BarnsleyFC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnsley_F.C.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Stendel
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