Match Preview: Barnsley vs. Manchester United (Part One)

barnsley vs. manchester united

A week after after that 7-0 drumming the Old Trafford side claiming a 6-1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday; and in the FA Cup the two sides met again but after a 1-1 draw a replay was taken to Oakwell where a resilient Tykes side over came the Kings of Football to book a place in the following round with a narrow 3-2 victory.

They guided their way into the fourth round of this seasons Carling Cup competition partially due to the involvement of former boss Simon Davey who scooped wins at Lincoln City (1-0) and Reading (2-1) before his departure. New manager Mark Robins took them into the fourth round with a 3-2 home win over Premier League outfit Burnley!

The S71 club will be without the services of four key players - all of whom are cup-tied; striker Andy Gray played in Charlton Athletic's 1-0 defeat at Hereford in round one, midfielder Nathan Doyle featured in Hull City's second round round tie with Southend United (won 3-1) whilst defensive duo Ryan Shotton and Carl Dickenson (on loan from Stoke City) played in the Potters second round win at Leyton Orient (1-0).

Despite being cup-tied defender Ryan Shotton is illegible to play after he was shown a straight red card in the Reds 3-2 home defeat to Bristol City last Saturday - he also sits out the Coca-Cola Championship fixtures with Peterborough United (at London Road) and Sheffield United.

Fellow defender Bobby Hassell also could be out of contention via an Achilles injury, he is however ready to return (though short of match fitness) to first team action but may be a game too soon.

Reds boss Mark Robins could call upon the services of former Manchester United players Luke Steele (goalkeeper) and striker Jonathan Macken against their former club in this Carling Cup tie.

Shot stopper Steele joined the Manchester club from Peterborough United in March 2002; initially on loan before completing a £500,000 deal two months later. However during his time at Old Trafford he never made a professional appearances and was shipped out on loan to Coventry City before signing for West Bromwich Albion in August 2006.

As for Macken, he started his career with the Red Devils, and like Steele he failed to make a first team appearance and was sold to local side Preston North End in August 1997. He can also list Manchester City as one of his former clubs.

Barnsley boss Mark Robins also turned out for the Old Trafford club as a player; he started off as a trainee in December 1986, making his league debut in April 1989 in a 2-0 defeat against Derby County - in all he made a total of 27 (44) appearances and scored 15 goals before joining Norwich City in August 1992.

Possible Tykes Line-Up: Luke Steele, Bobby Hassell, Stephen Foster, Darren Moore, Robert Kozluk, Anderson de Silva, Hugo Roberto Colace, Emil Halfredsson, Adam Hammill, Iain Hume, Jonathan Macken.

Prediction: Barnsley 1-3 Manchester United

:: Statistics ::

For Head to Head statistics please click here.

Last 10 Games... Home & Away

* Statistics correct up to and including 01/08/2009
Wins are in favour of Barnsley

:: Match Officials ::

Referee: C. Foy
Assistants: J. Collin & R. West
Fourth Official: A. Hall