Stevenage make the 294-mile round trip this afternoon for a first-ever clash with Barnsley in the final fixture before Christmas Day…
Boro will be spending Christmas Day at the top end of the league table for a second year running this season after a flying start to life in the third tier, following their promotion from League Two earlier this year.
Steve Evans’ side sit fifth in League One and can go as high as second with a victory this weekend. It is currently thirteen games unbeaten for Boro, and they will be hungry for fourteen at Oakwell. Last weekend, they were held to a draw at home to Exeter City.
The Opposition
Barnsley will be hoping for a promotion push this season after falling short in the play-off final last campaign to Sheffield Wednesday. This season hasn’t quite been as positive so far, as the side sit seventh in the table. By no means is ten wins from twenty a poor record, but the Tykes will have to stay consistent if they wish to return to The Championship.
Last weekend, Barnsley hosted Charlton Athletic, and despite going a goal up through Adam Phillips, the visitors held them to a 1-1 draw. The Tykes have picked up some positive results over the course of the season but have been far from dominant, having lost 3-0 away to Derby County last month.
Barnsley’s top goal scorer, Devante Cole, is the man to look out for this afternoon. The forward has scored 12 goals from 20 starts so far this campaign as he sits fourth in the League One goalscoring charts, behind Jamie Reid in third.
The Manager
Neill Collins joined Barnsley in the summer following the departure of Michael Duff to Swansea City. Collins had previously coached in the USA, as Manager of Tampa Bay Rowdies. As a player, he made just under 200 appearances for Sheffield United. His current job at Barnsley is his first managerial role in England.
The Stadium
Barnsley have called Oakwell their home since the club’s formation in 1887. The ground has a capacity of 23,287 and a record attendance of 40,255 was set in 1936 for an FA Cup clash with Stoke City. Oakwell was the first stadium in English football to have a designated stand for disabled supporters.
Officials
Marc Edwards has been appointed Match Referee for today’s game, with Daniel Woodward and Paul Stonier as his assistants, and Benjamin Speedie as Fourth Official. Edwards has dished out 61 yellow cards and one red so far this campaign.