Match Preview | Barnsley v Argyle
The two teams that met in Argyle's first game of the season meet again in game number 36 for the Pilgrims. On that day in July, Argyle won 1-0 thanks to a goal by debutant Finn Azaz.
By the end of October, Barnsley were ninth, having accumulated 21 points from their opening 15 games, but since then they have motored, generating 42 points from their next 18 games. They currently sit fourth in Sky Bet League One, with 63 points from 33 games.
That leaves Barnsley 11 points behind second-placed Argyle, having played two games fewer, so this game feels like it could be pivotal to the fortunes of both clubs.
Barnsley head into the game in extremely good form, having won seven of their last nine fixtures, drawing the other two. They have scored 22 goals in that period, conceding five.
The Tykes' leading goalscorer in Devante Cole, who has 11 goals in all competitions. After an 11-game run of games without notching, he has three goals in his last three games. Of late, Cole has been playing in a front two with experienced forward James Norwood. The former Forest Green Rovers, Tranmere Rovers and Ipswich Town man has eight goals to his name this season.
Barnsley are managed by Michael Duff, who took the job in the summer. During his playing career, defender Duff played almost all of his career for two clubs - Cheltenham Town and Burnley, both of whom he represented over 300 times. He also played 24 times for Northern Ireland.
His managerial career began at Cheltenham, in League Two, in 2018. He was in charge of the Robins when they were promoted to League One for the first time in their history, in 2021. He led Cheltenham to 15th place the following season, before departing for Barnsley in the summer of 2022.
Schumacher Says
“It seems to me that they've got a settled team, pretty much the same team all the time. They've got some really good players who, as you would expect under Michael Duff, were really well organised when we played them in the first game with the season here. He hadn't been long in the job, so it took him a bit of time to figure out what system he was going to play, I'm guessing, and what the players could do.
“Now, they're rolling. They've won seven out of nine. The two front players look as though they've come alive and they're always a threat. They've got three midfield players that are very creative for this division and score goals as well. They’ve got a settled back line. They look really fit and strong. It's got all the makings of a good team.
Team News
Mike Cooper is missing with a long-term knee injury. Conor Grant, Dan Scarr, Adam Randell, Tyreik Wright and Sam Cosgrove all missed Tuesday night's game via injury.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will be wearing their white away kit for this game.
Argyle TV
The game will be covered on Argyle TV, with commentary from Charlie Price and Aaron Cusack. Both will be on hand for a pre-match show which will be available for free on YouTube from 2pm.
Audio commentary of the game is available for £2.50 in the UK, and live video streaming is available for overseas supporters.
