Fitba

Here’s a quick preview of Barnsley vs Sheffield United for the weekend.

Those of you who have listened to me talk about South Yorkshire derbies in the past will know that I always say it’ll be a draw. I would never back a draw, but the smart money in all South Yorkshire matches really ought to be on the draw. Barnsley are no exception, with half of the last ten meetings ending all square and four of the remaining five matches decided by a single goal. No matter what the form of the sides, the Blades vs Barnsley games are always scrappy affairs, though I have no idea why.

Barnsley will be buzzing after their 3-1 victory away to Charlton on the 1st, but Sheffield United are in excellent form. We’ve conceded just once in the last seven games, in fact just twice in the last eight games and have the tightest defence in the league. Barnsley have scored less than a goal a game, though their home record is marginally better, with nine goals from seven matches. United’s away scoring record is nothing to write home about, but consider that we’ve played Birmingham and Bristol City away from home already, along with the Sheffield derby where we had ten men for over two thirds of the game.

One defeat in the last eight is promotion form, but Barnsley have form of their own, losing just once in six matches. The bare form is largely deceptive though: two of those wins have come against Doncaster Rovers, who have really struggled to score goals so far this term, despite an attractive brand of football and Barnsley’s narrow 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday came just two days after the Sheffield derby, which saw Wednesday without FIVE key players due to fatigue and injuries and the reds looked far from convincing (the pigs were down to ten after 34 minutes and the deciding goal was a penalty kick). A 0-0 draw at to Bristol City was a good result but a 3-0 drubbing against a Palace side pulling up few trees is more like the real Barnsley.

United will win this, I’m pretty sure of that. Despite the history of draws and Barnsley’s confidence, they haven’t played a side as good as us since August 23rd when Birmingham won 2-0 at St Andrews and although it’s certain to be scrappy and heated, we’re simply far too classy for them.

There have been 16 goals in Barnsley’s last six matches and although only seven in United’s last six, we have been creating hundreds of chances. Their defensive record at home looks good, conceding five in seven, but they’ve conceded 12 in eight away from home and have played some poor sides at Oakwell this season. On paper, we should run riot, but the derby nature of the game will ensure it isn’t a comfortable win for us and I’m feeling really good about a 1-2 scoreline; my new employers William Hill are going 10/1, which is the best price. Sadly, I’m not legally allowed to bet with them, so it looks like I’ll be getting on at 9s!
Happy punting.