23rd – Barnsley
Sitting just above the Glovers are Barnsley, who opted to change their manager last November, despite the wonderful achievements of David Flitcroft, whose appointment last campaign inspired the Reds to pull of the great escape and avoid relegation, against all odds. Incoming manager Danny Wilson has done an adequate job so far in South Yorkshire, and a recent run of three wins from their last six Championship encounters has ensured that Barnsley retain realistic hopes of avoiding the trapdoor and has closed the gap that they need to make up on 21st placed Charlton to just two points, a team who the Reds managed to see off in their last game.
Their other two recent victories both came away from Oakwell, as the Yorkshire men posted emphatic successes at Yeovil and Reading. However, Barnsley can’t boast similar home form, as they have only posted wins on three occasions in front of their own supporters since the turn of the year. Those precious victories came against Blackpool, Millwall and Nottingham Forest, which could prove pivotal if the Tykes manage to extend their stay in the Championship to nine consecutive years.
Alas, the run-in will not give Wilson’s men much cause for optimism, as they still have to face promotion hopefuls Derby County, and a squad that contains plenty Premiership quality in Queen’s Park Rangers. And with a poor record against the top clubs, few would back the men in red to beat the drop.
Run in
Sat 19th April – Leeds (H)
Mon 21st April – Derby (A)
Sat 26th Apr – Middlesbrough (A)
Sat 3rd May – QPR (H)
Predicted Finish: 23rd
