by Rich Colby

After the mid-week FA Cup defeat to Bristol City its officially time to “focus on the league”.  And what better way to do so with a Yorkshire Derby against Barnsley at The Keepmoat Stadium.

If Rovers are still eyeing the possibility of a play-off place at the end of the season then they really need to kick on in the league.  Although undefeated in the last four league games, Paul Dickov’s men still occupy 14th place in the table.  Three points is a must in the Yorkshire derby in the hope of providing a springboard into the top half of the table.

Barnsley are very much in a similar boat to Rovers.  16th in the league but only seven points outside the play-offs with half a season to go still gives The Tykes hope.  Whilst their home form is ok, their form on the road is poor, their last away victory coming at Sheffield United on 1st November.  Rovers will still need to keep an eye on top scorer Connor Hourihane in order to take the bragging rights for another few months.

Rovers remain without Dean Furman who is away with South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations.  Cedric Evina will also miss out.  Paul Dickov should confirm the signing of Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater in time for him to be available for the game.  He will replace Sam Johnstone who has joined Preston North End on loan.

The two teams last met just over a month ago and shared the points in a 1-1 draw.  Barnsley opened the scoring after just 5 minutes when Lewin Nyatanga was left unmarked from a corner kick.  Striker Theo Robinson managed to salvage a point for the Rovers after 52 minutes.  Last time out at the Keepmoat Stadium the teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Come on you reds!

Overall record Vs Barnsley:  P 70/W 25/D 22/L 23