Barnsley v Leeds: Monk's men to cash-in on vulnerable Tykes

Mark O'Haire
20 January 2017

Garry Monk’s men produced one of their most complete performances in years to overcome Derby

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The second of two live Championship matches on Saturday is a Yorkshire derby between Barnsley and Leeds from Oakwell. Mark O'Haire previews the encounter...

"Leeds are facing up to the very real prospect of a first appearance in the Championship play-offs since 2006 and a first promotion to the Premier League in 13 years having pierced the top-six with a superb run of results (W6-D1-L0)."

Barnsley v Leeds
Saturday 20th January, 17:30
Live on Sky Sports 1

Barnsley

Barnsley have endured a rocky January with star striker Sam Winnall departing for near neighbours Sheffield Wednesday, highly-rated midfielder Conor Hourihane linked with a move away and chief executive Linton Brown resigning over the weekend.

Paul Heckingbottom saw his side lose 2-0 at Fulham last weekend and in midweek the Tykes suffered a last-minute loss in extra-time to League Two's Blackpool in the FA Cup despite making only two changes to his team.

Regular centre-back Marc Roberts was injured in the midweek defeat and with Andy Yiadom away on African Cup of Nations duty, plus Sam Morsy leaving Oakwell, Barnsley are short on options. However, Heckingbottom was able to complete the loan signing of young full-back Gethin Jones from Everton.

Leeds

Leeds are facing up to the very real prospect of a first appearance in the Championship play-offs since 2006 and a first promotion to the Premier League in 13 years having pierced the top-six with a superb run of results (W6-D1-L0).

Garry Monk's men produced one of their most complete performances in years to overcome Derby last Friday and the Whites are expected to keep faith with the same players despite an obvious shortage of defenders.

Leeds fielded three recognised right-backs against the Rams as Luke Ayling switched to a central position alongside Kyle Bartley. Gaetano Berardi replaced injured left-back Charlie Taylor whilst Lewie Coyle made the XI in place of suspended Pontus Jansson.

Match Odds

Barnsley boast a solid record in this fixture, beating Leeds in four of their last five Oakwell encounters dating back to 1997. But the visitors triumphed in their last visit here and are now chasing a third successive victory over Tykes for the first time in Leeds' history.

The Whites have been chalked up as 2.265/4 shots to succeed on Saturday and it's a price well worth taking. Only Brighton (23) have collected more points in the last 10 Championship games than Monk's men (22) who have suffered only one away loss in the league since the middle of October.

Barnsley 3.55 have scored exactly twice in five of their last six home league games (W2-D3-L1) but with a sole success in five and only a couple of maximum pointers in their most recent 11 Oakwell outings, the hosts appear vulnerable.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

There's little to choose between Over 2.5 Goals 1.9520/21 and Under 2.5 Goals 1.981/1 but recent trends suggest punters should consider backing three or more goals in Saturday evening's encounter.

Eight of Barnsley's past 12 games in front of their home supporters have broken the 2.5 goals line. Leeds haven't proven quite as prolific in the same market, mind.

The Whites have delivered Over 2.5 Goals profit in exactly half of their past 20 road trips but only five of those fixtures arrived in 12 away days under Monk's watch.

Recommended Bets

Back Leeds to win @ 2.265/4

Mark's 2016/17 Profit/Loss

Staked: 77.50 pts
Returned: 81.69 pts
P/L: +4.19 pts

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