Bristol City – Barnsley

Season of great expectations started as a nightmare for City. First were trashed at home soil by Millwall (0-3), then maybe even bigger shock was when Steve Coppell left the club. Ex care-taker (now should be permanent boss), Billy Sharp, took the charge and seems managed to stabilize the club. They were good on the road vs. Doncaster and missed to win thankfully to additional time penalty (1-1). Big injury list has been decreasing. Defender Carey is back in the contention, but key man Nicky Maynard is out, as well as defender Kalifa Cisse. The Robins made a double last year against Barnsley and won 4 of their 5 last meetings.

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Barnsley did defeat Palace in the previous round (at home 1-0), but still have big problems with scoring. Even that one was an own goal. Departure of their key striker Daniel Bogdanovic (to Sheff.Utd.) seems to be a bigger blow than they expected. Beside a netting problem, they have a terrible record away from home. Barnsley haven’t won on the road for six months (at Ashton Gate for 17 years). The Tykes will be without two midfielders (both new signings) Jim O'Brien and Goran Lovre.

 

If home side wants to carry high ambitions (in my opinion City could be fighting for a play-off), they simply have to win games like Barnsley at home.

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Bet: Bristol City -0.5ah

Odd: 2.03 188bet

Stake: 7/10

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Barnsley 2-2 Sheff Utd

Darius Henderson scored two penalties to earn Sheffield United a draw at south Yorkshire rivals Barnsley and end a run of four straight defeats.
The Blades saw keeper Ian Bennett and defender Matt Kilgallon join their long injury list before Anderson de Silva's thunderbolt put Barnsley ahead. 
Henderson levelled after Luke Steele was adjudged to have fouled Ched Evans. 
Daniel Bogdanovic headed Barnsley back in front, but Henderson struck again when Adam Hammill tripped Kyle Walker.
Barnsley manager Mark Robins:
"To only draw a game like that after we've played so well is difficult to take. 
"We played really well. We passed the ball well and controlled the game for large parts. 
"It was a good game, a decent derby game. They've had a couple of chances, they've hit the woodwork, but they've been given the two penalties." 
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:
"I'm proud of the lads, but another game and two more injuries. 
"You can see we are chasing round having put square pegs in round holes. 

"My biggest praise is for Derek Geary who's been out for 18 months, knee rebuilt and I've had to put him in."

www.bbc.co.uk