Antony Kay misses his first match of the season through suspension after being sent off in the 5-1 defeat at Norwich two weeks ago. Bobby Hassell is likely to move into the centre of defence with Dale Tonge taking over at right back. Paul Heckingbottom is fit again after a rib injury but faces a fight to displace Robbie Williams at left back.
Probable LineUp:
Nick Colgan
Dale Tonge
Bobby Hassell
Paul Reid
Robbie Williams
Martin Devaney
Brian Howard
Sam Togwell
Michael McIndoe
Marc Richards
Paul Hayes
Barnsley have a great record against Stoke at Oakwell having won the last EIGHT encounters. The last time Stoke took anything from Oakwell was back on Boxing Day 1986 when they triumphed 2-0 making it 20 seasons ago that Barnsley were defeated by Stoke at Oakwell
The last meeting between the two sides was in the League Cup on 1st November 2000 at the Britannia Stadium, with Stoke triumphing 3-2.
The two clubs haven't meant in a league encounter for 10 years. In the glorious promotion season of 1996-1997 Barnsley won 3-0 at home before losing 1-0 away.
Both clubs have made steady starts to the Championship campaign. The Reds have picked up 7 points from their opening 5 games whereas Stoke lie one place behind with 6 points. Barnsley are yet to win at home this season and haven't triumphed at Oakwell since February 25th (8 games). Stoke are yet to win away this campaign which includes a defeat to fellow newly promoted Southend but include new signing Ricardo Fuller in their squad.
Last 6 Barnsley v Stoke City Results:
1/11/00 Stoke City 3 - 2 Barnsley (League Cup)
26/12/96 Stoke City 1 - 0 Barnsley (First Division)
10/9/96 Barnsley 3 - 0 Stoke City (First Division)
2/3/96 Stoke City 2 - 0 Barnsley (First Division)
26/12/95 Barnsley 3 - 1 Stoke City (First Division)
12/4/95 Stoke City 0 - 0 Barnsley (First Division)
Overall Record:
Barnsley Wins: 21
Stoke Wins: 20
Draws: 13
Barnsley Goals: 74
Stoke Goals: 75
Last 6 2006-2007 Results:
Barnsley:
26/8/06 Norwich 5-1 Barnsley (Championship)
22/8/06 Blackpool 2-2 Barnsley (aet) Barnsley win 4-2 on pens (League Cup)
19/8/06 Barnsley 2-2 Southampton (Championship)
12/8/06 Colchester 1-2 Barnsley (Championship)
8/8/06 Hull 2-3 Barnsley (Championship)
5/8/06 Barnsley 1-2 Cardiff (Championship)
W:3* D:1 L:2 F:12 A:14 GD:-2 Points:7**
*= Win includes penalty shootout win
**= Penalty win is not including in points
Stoke:
26/8/06 Stoke 1-1 Plymouth (Championship)
22/8/06 Stoke 1-2 Darlington (League Cup)
19/8/06 Luton 2-2 Stoke (Championship)
12/8/06 Stoke 0-0 Birmingham (Championship)
8/8/06 Stoke 2-0 Derby (Championship)
5/8/06 Southend 1-0 Stoke (Championship)
W:1 D:3 L:2 F:6 A:6 GD:0 Points:6
Barnsley currently lie 14th in the Coca Cola Championship with 7 points from 5 games, 1 point above Stoke City who lie 15th with 6 points from 5 games.