Barnsley are in the middle of a tough run of fixtures but so far it hasn't phased the reds a single bit. We've played 2 of League one's high quality sides in Plymouth and Derby and beaten both by a 3-goal margin.
Before facing Barnsley, Portsmouth were in strong form being unbeaten in 5 games - one of which a 3-1 victory over Barnsley's play-off rivals Bolton Wanderers. Portsmouth are currently 4th in the 6-game form table, which Barnsley top.
Barnsley's next 3 opponents are all towards the top of the form table.
So far in this run of fixtures, the reds have 10 points from a possible 12 but 3 tough fixtures await.
Barnsley's performances against Derby, Portsmouth and Plymouth are very encouraging. If the reds can beat those 3 in such fashion surely we can beat anyone?
All 3 teams will be tough challenges but there is no doubt the Barnsley players will go into the games full of confidence and rightly so.
OAKWELL - A HARD PLACE TO COME
When the atmosphere at Oakwell is at it's best teams struggle. Look at the 3-2 victory against Leeds in 2017, the atmosphere was amazing that night and there is no doubt the support contributed to the victory. The same goes for Chelsea in 2008. The fact is Oakwell is a hard place to come and opposition players don't enjoy coming to Barnsley. If the fans can continue to build the atmosphere there is no doubt it will contribute to our success.
Norwood on the atmosphere VS Derby:
The fans made such a difference. If they can turn up like that every week until the end of the season they put us in a really good position and we can put teams on the back foot as soon as they come out of the tunnel. They will play a massive part and we need every single one of them.
ARE THE PLAY-OFFS SECURED YET?
With Barnsley's recent form and encouraging results against top teams, is it safe to presume Play-offs are more or less secured?
The reds are 9 points clear of 7th with a game in hand although games in hand aren't worth anything unless you win them. However, the reds will face Wycombe on Saturday (18/3/23) a Wycombe win would cut that gap to 6 points but if Barnsley win the point gap is extended to 12 points.
If Barnsley continue their great form then there is no doubt we will stay in the Play-offs at the very least however the concerns come if form drops off although I doubt that will happen.
IS AUTOMATIC PROMOTION POSSIBLE?
At the moment, the race for 2nd place is a 4-horse race between Plymouth, Ipswich, Barnsley and Derby. Sheffield Wednesday are sitting pretty at the top and it will take something to knock them off. Bolton and Wycombe are still in the mix for top 2 however their chances are very slim.
The table below shows the average position of the remaining opponents for each team in the top 6.
Based upon the average position of the teams each club is yet to play, Ipswich have the hardest run followed by Derby and Barnsley. Plymouth Argyle who currently sit 2nd have the easiest on paper.
However, teams at the bottom of the division are hard to play against pose a different kind of challenge. The League One relegation battle is hot with many clubs in the mix to get relegated and each of those clubs will be fighting for their lives to win games and subsequently stay in the division.
The upcoming 3 games will be massive for Barnsley's top 2 aspirations especially the match up against Ipswich at Oakwell.
In the best case, Barnsley beat Ipswich and win our 2 games in hand on the tractor boys we will go 2 points above them. Barnsley's chances are massively dependent on our games in hand and the massive game against Ipswich at Oakwell but one thing is for sure, you'd be a fool to write off Michael Duff and this fantastic group of players.
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