Rotherham United and Barnsley are set to clash in a crucial South Yorkshire Derby at the AESSEAL New York Stadium this Saturday. Both teams aim to break their winless streaks and improve their standings in League One.
Current Standings and Struggles
Rotherham United is currently sitting at the bottom of the table in 22nd place. They have secured only nine wins and 37 points from 40 games, trailing safety by 11 points. The team has faced a disappointing season, with 21 defeats, leaving them in a precarious position.
Barnsley finds itself in 14th position, having tallied 51 points from 39 matches, including 13 wins and 14 losses. Despite a strong offensive record, they have also conceded a league-high 64 goals. A recent slump has seen them unable to secure a win in six games, which has hampered their playoff aspirations.
Recent Form
- Rotherham United: Their recent record is disheartening, with a run of LDLLDL in their last six matches.
- Barnsley: The Reds have struggled too, achieving three draws and two losses in their previous five games (DDDLL).
Match Preview
As Rotherham seeks to break its winless streak, they come into this match with high stakes. The appointment of Lee Clark has not sparked an immediate turnaround. The last game saw them lose 1-0 against Port Vale, marking their seventh game without a win.
Barnsley is attempting to regain footing after a poor Easter weekend. They drew 1-1 with Burton Albion and suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Plymouth. With their lead over the relegation zone shrinking to five points, they are under pressure to perform against their local rivals.
Team News
Rotherham is grappling with several injuries. Key players like Emmanuel Adegboyega, Lenny Agbaire, and Joe Powell will be absent. This leaves them particularly thin in midfield, with veteran Liam Kelly likely to feature alongside Josh Benson.
Barnsley is missing defender Josh Earl and winger Tawanda Chirewa. Following the loss to Plymouth, manager Conor Hourihane may modify his lineup. Veteran striker David McGoldrick aims to lead the attack, while Reyes Cleary supports him with an impressive record of six goals and 12 assists this season.
Predicted Lineups
| Rotherham United | Barnsley |
|---|---|
| Cann | Goodman |
| Rafferty | De Gevigney |
| Baptiste | Roberts |
| Jules | O’Connell |
| James | Shepherd |
| Kelly | Connell |
| Benson | Bland |
| Martha | Banks |
| Watmore | Phillips |
| Gray | Cleary |
| Nombe | McGoldrick |
Conclusion
This South Yorkshire Derby promises to be an intense encounter as both teams search for vital points. With Rotherham’s struggle for survival and Barnsley’s aim to solidify their league status, the match at AESSEAL New York Stadium will be vital for both sides. El-Balad predicts a tight competition, with a slight edge for Barnsley given their offensive capabilities.
