BARNSLEY v WATFORD View attachment 26417 Saturday 21st September 2013 Oakwell Kick Off 3.00pm BST Two managers under pressure and we are only just getting into the season. The reasons for the pressure are quite different though. David Flitcroft the Barnsley manager has seen his side win only one game, shipping goals at an alarming rate. He has commented that there will be a key board meeting on Monday, and it will be a case of where we are at, what do we think we need." “But certainly some strategical recruitment in areas is needed now. We do not have enough points on the board and the balance is still not what I am happy with. “Even though the players have given us everything - the last three games have showed the players have given everything they have got - we have not amassed points from the last two games, which is disappointing. For GFZ the pressure comes from the expectations of the fans. After a good couple of games early on things have been a bit more of a struggle of late. "There were nine new arrivals at Vicarage Road in the summer" and Zola insists it will take time for the players – old and new – to find their best form. “I certainly cannot pretend everyone is spot on right now. I wasn’t expecting that to happen and I hope nobody else was either,” he said. “It takes time, even if you have lots of players still here from the previous year, it will take time to really find form and to find the right mentality. Injuries: Polish winger Tomasz Cywka has a calf injury, while midfielder Jim O’Brien and Stephen Dawson are both doubts. Loan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt has returned to Wigan after a groin injury, which will rule him out for a month. Almen Abdi has a foot injury that may keep him out of the game, but apart from the long term injuries no other players are reported injured.
COYH COYH COYH I think we might just win this one and going for a 0-4 win with Deeney back on form with a brace. Cheers OFH thread.
0-4 I think that's a bit hopeful although I hope you are right - I think it's more of a 1-2 sort of game. I like Barnsley cos they're an honest team without the airs and graces of some others in this league - so other than tomorrow and the return match I wish them well.
I live in hope! We are top scorers after all. Ditto regarding your comments about Barnsley though, an 'honest' Championship team, maybe like we were regarded under Dyche?
Hope is good but actually we're top scorers cos of one game - recently we are average - but I think we'll win unless our pricey ponces dry up against the Barnsley steel
Northern grit versus Italian flair. Almost every game throws up a new experience for the new boys in our squad, so I wonder what they will make of a trip 'oop North? Not many of them will have been to Barnsley before, (unless you live there, why would you go?) and it could be a bit of a shock to the system. Still, they will have to get used to it. Better now than in mid -winter. I don't suppose our new loan player will feature today , but he is a good addition to the squad. It is a pity we missed Chalobah (Notts Forest now look very strong contenders for a promotion spot ) but this is by no means second best.
WatfordFC line-up to play Barnsley: Almunia; Doyley, Angella, Cassetti; Faraoni, Murray, Iriney, McGugan, Anya; Deeney, Forestieri. WatfordFC subs to play Barnsley: Bond, Belkalem, Ekstrand, Battocchio, Acuna, Pudil and Fabbrini.
Barnsley start XI v Watfordfc: Steele, Ramage, Kennedy, Crainie, Dawson (c), Scotland, O'Grady, Perkins, Mellis, Wiseman, Etuhu.
Nick Wright with Jon Marks today and he thinks that O'Grady is a big guy who can rough defenders up a bit. Never too sure if he will turn up, but he is the one to watch if he is having a good day.
Watford playing in their home strip today. 1st corner of the afternoon to Barnsley. Almunia has a comfortable catch.
Barnsley corner cleared up to FF who doesn't quite get the right touch and the ball goes through to keeper.
