Fleetwood next. Having last played them in streaky Lee's honeymoon period, we now play them in Charlie Adam's. Despite their recent upturn in form, the bookies have us as even money favourites to extend our away unbeaten run to 8 with a win. The hosts are 13/5 outsiders to record their second home win in what would be a 3 game unbeaten period at home. During Charlie Adam's tenure as boss, the Cod Army have won 1, drawn 1 and lost 2 of their 4 home games, with those defeats coming against the leagues current top 2 sides. As mentioned, they have got 4 points from their last 2 home games, which constitutes a third of all the points they've gained so far at Highbury this season. They have the worst home record in the division, and along with Carlisle, are the only sides to average less than a point per game at home. They've won just 1 of their last 8 at home, though their defeats in that time have come largely against sides in the top 8. We are the last side in the current top 6 which Fleetwood are to face. They've lost the other 5, scoring once and conceding 10. They also lost 3-0 at home to 7th placed Stevenage, however did beat 8th placed Leyton Orient at home early in Lee Johnson's tenure. Fleetwood's overall form has improved since a run of 14 games without a win in all competitions at the end of last year. They've since lost just 1 in 5 (2 wins and 2 draws), albeit mainly against sides in the bottom half of the table. They kept a clean sheet in those two victories, which were their first cleansheets in 14 in all competitions. In the defeat to Lincoln, they were a goal up and then reduced to 10 men before losing. They also were 2 goals up at Wycombe, before a dismissal led to Wycombe coming back into the game. Fairly often though this season, they've gained points usually when they've scored first. That being said, they have the leakiest defence in the division, averaging 1.65 goals against per game. At Highbury, we've got a good record. Of the 5 games in all competitions, we've won 3 in normal time, 1 on penalties and we drew the very first meeting. We're currently on 3 straight wins away at the Cod Army, with goals from Jack Aitchison, Kieffer Moore, Jacob Brown, Mamadou Thiam and Josh Scowen in those 3 visits (and an own goal). The referee is... My god... That's Declan Bourne. Mainly a league 2 ref, Mr Bourne has issued 79 yellows and 4 reds in 17 games this season, which seems to be about the average. He took charge of us twice last season, our 4-0 away win at Cheltenham, and 3-0 away win at Cambridge, where he sent off Liam Kitching. His last Fleetwood game was their 2-1 home win to Lincoln last March. He also took charge of the Cod Army's 1-0 home win over Cambridge the month before. Veteran striker Jayden Stockley is Fleetwood's danger man. Formerly prolific at Exeter City, the frontman leads both the goal scoring and assist charts for the Cod Army this season with 6 and 4 respectively. Junior Quitirna grabbed a brace at Oakwell, though has been used sparingly since Adam took over, and has scored just 4 in his 20 games this season despite his lively game at Oakwell. Whilst Fleetwood certainly have improved under Charlie Adam, we will benefit from Connell's return to the side (hopefully) and should have sufficient to see this one out. Cole has previously been a thorn in his former club's side, and I fancy him to end his mini goal drought in this one. I'm going for 1-3 reds, with Cole, McAtee and Kane getting the goals in the first half.
Hoping Pines starts tomorrow to get him some first team minutes before the big game next weekend against Derby. We could also really use Pines for his physical presence against Stockley. I'll go for a 3-1 Barnsley win. Cadden Phillips and McAtee on the score sheet
Can’t choose between. 2-1 or 3-1 win. Feeling really confident for tomorrow but it won’t be as easy as what the scoreline will suggests.
Regulation 2-1 win scoring twice in the 125th minute. Followed by me having an extended stay in the coronary unit of Burton hospital.
Should be a win, but might end up being a coulda, woulda, shouda, debate t'morra t'time, 5 - 0, keep the faith, C,O,Y,R.