Barnsley vs. Leeds United Preview

Barnsley and Leeds United are set to lock horns at Oakwell on New Year’s Eve in what should be an exciting and enthralling Yorkshire derby. Just a matter of weeks ago, Simon Davey’s side turned over an extremely poor Leeds at Elland Road and the Whites are likely to be after revenge as they seek to get their promotion bid back on track.

Leeds supporters will probably be glad that the club’s Christmas fixtures are away from home after their perennial festive slump began in earnest against Reading at home on December 17.

Despite being within touching distance of the automatic promotion places, Leeds once again turned in a flat and turgid display on their own patch which left many fans and pundits scratching their heads.

Indeed, if performances like the ones against Reading continue, Leeds are likelier to be nearer the bottom of the division rather than the top.

Barnsley did a real job on the Whites at the beginning of December and never looked in danger of letting them back into the game.

With pace up front and a solid midfield set up, the Tykes controlled the tempo of the game and never gave Leeds a chance to muster a concerted effort.

Ricardo Vaz Te got himself on the score sheet that day and he will fancy his chances of netting once more at the expense of a frail Leeds defence.

Leading into Christmas, Barnsley sit clustered in mid table however they are only five points behind their Yorkshire rivals and may even overtake them by the time this fixture comes around.

It will be interesting to see how Leeds can respond at Derby County on Boxing Day – and in all fairness to Simon Grayson’s men, they usually manage to bounce back well.

But any punters wanting a bet on this match must certainly wait to see how United get on against the Rams in order to determine whether their last match was merely a blip or the start of a losing streak.

Nevertheless, even if Leeds do manage to hit back on December 26, they are at an immediate disadvantage having to play another away game in a matter of days and there is no logical reason why they should reverse the form with Simon Davey’s talented side.

If anything lets Barnsley down, it is their inability to close out matches on a regular basis and if they fail to maintain the same standard for ninety minutes like they managed so well at Elland Road, then Leeds could be in with a chance.

The Tykes were coasting recently against Ipswich, but after holding a 2-0 lead at half-time, defensive inefficiency and a lack of concentration allowed the away side to strike back with five second half goals.

Barnsley have to hold firm at the back as Leeds can score goals away from home as they proved against Forest – and they can also get themselves back into a game after sustained amounts of pressure.

But, if Barnsley can repeat their effort, tenacity and quality of the Elland Road fixture, then the 8/5 on offer about a home win looks generous.

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07/01/2012     © Frixo 2024