Tykes Test for Town

Not quite in the same league as Chelsea, but Barnsley will be no easy match for Jim and John’s Ipswich side, despite a battling display against the European giants at the weekend. Town can concentrate on the league from now on having been knocked out by Phil Scolari’s side in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Jim Magilton won back many fans after the performances against their illustrious opposition on Saturday, and will sure be hoping that this can prove the turning point in their season. Enough of Chelsea though, that is in the past. Barnsley is the matter in hand.

Ipswich will look to erase memories of last season’s humiliation at Oakwell – when Pablo Counago put Town a goal to the good, things were looking rosy before Barnsley hit four back, and there were even calls by the Blues supporters on that Tuesday night for loanee keeper Stephen Bywater to be dropped off back at Derby.

The Tykes are currently in 17th spot, seven points behind the eleventh-placed Blues. Ex-Ipswich loanee Jon Macken is top scorer with six goals for Barnsley this season, but goalscoring has been a bit of a problem this season for the Reds with only four players, one of them a loan player, to score more than once this season.

Things could have been so different for both sets of supporters – Barnsley were the side beaten 4-2 by Ipswich in the 2000 play-off final, before the Tykes were relegated just a few seasons later.

Barnsley Team News:

New signing Daniel Bogdanovic is awaiting international clearance before being given the go ahead to make his debut for Barnsley. The Maltese international may however have to wait until the weekend before making his debut.

Martin Devaney, who has been out injured for two months with an ankle problem, is set to return to action, but Hugo Colace and Stephen Foster are both doubtful with a thigh injury.

Player to watch: Jon Macken

Didn’t enjoy the best of spells at Portman Road in his time on loan, and will be eager to bag a goal against the Blues.

Ipswich Town Team News:

Richard Wright was impressive at the weekend once more and will keep his place in goal, while David Wright is likely to continue in defence after suffering no recurrence of his hamstring injury. Ben Thatcher and Dan Harding are both available after missing the Chelsea defeat, but Moritz Volz is doubtful. Pim Balkestein impressed against the Londoners, and is set to keep his place.

The midfield four of David Norris, Danny Haynes, Tommy Miller and Owen Garvan are all set to keep their places, although Veliche Shumulikoski will be hoping for a recall.

Jon Walters and Pablo Counago should both continue up front, with Kevin Lisbie and Jon Stead hoping for some part in the game.

Player to watch: Danny Haynes

Missed a great chance to put Ipswich 2-1 up against Chelsea going into half-time, but the youngster signed a new contract at Portman Road last week and will be looking to put things right against the Tykes.

Ref Watch:

East Yorkshire referee Carl Boyeson is the man in charge for this one.

Match Prediction:

I really do believe that the Chelsea match will prove a turning point in Ipswich’s season. If Town can go out in the right mindset, then they are no match for the Tykes. However, become complacent from the weekend and it could tell a different story. My prediction is 3-1 to Ipswich.