Cheltenham Town V Barnsley Match Preview

Cheltenham Town V Barnsley Match Preview

by admin
31/08/2023
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Barnsley head to the Completely-Suzuki Stadium on Saturday to face bottom side Cheltenham Town in League One.

We take a look and assess our opposition who have had a difficult start to the current season.

Form guide:

The Robins are winless in their five games so far, losing four times and drawing 0-0 away at Portsmouth to register their only point. More worryingly is the fact Cheltenham still havent hit the net yet.

Much talked about striker, Alfie May was sold to Charlton and manager Wade Elliot has been without several first teamers through injury. Last week, the Robins were without six players through injury for their narrow 0-1 home defeat to Northampton.

What the Robins manager had to say:

Cheltenham manager Wade Elliot spoke to Gloucestershire Live this week ahead of the game and doesn’t feel the Tykes have changed much since the departure of Michael Duff. This is what Elliot had this to say.

They are still a very good side, still with some very good players. A lot of elements of the way they play are similar. One or two little tweaks, but in the main a lot of the same attributes and qualities.

On Devante Cole: He’s obviously one of a number of good players they’ve got, but I wouldn’t say by any means he’s the only threat. They have a good combination of forwards: Watters, Dallas, Cole, Shaw. Their midfield is very strong. We will go and have a right good go at them.

Tykes team news:

Neill Collins confirmed that the Tykes will still be without midfielder Luca Connell who has only just started running in training since his illness.

Liam Kitching was as expected sold on transfer deadline day to Coventry City for a believed fee in excess of £4m. Kitching missed last weeks win at Wigan with an “injury” but obviously was fit enough to pass a medical on Friday to complete his move to the midlands. Jack Shepherd is likely to continue in defence after impressing in last weeks win.

Conor McCarthy came through an Under 21`s fixture in midweek as he continues his return from long term injury and could feature on the bench. Josh Benson who also played in the same Under 21`s game is also pushing for a return to the first team squad.

Head to Head:

The sides have met on four previous occasions with Barnsley winning three times including last seasons double over the Robins with a 1-0 win at Oakwell and a 4-0 away victory. The other remaining fixture between the sides ended in a draw.