We're all assuming other teams won't change the way they play

I think Val will be concentrating on executing the existing plan with maximum impact rather than changing the plan. I think we need to see that high energy press back in tune and 100% concentration for 95+ mins. Our plan - at its best.

As for others, i think they will back their style and stick to it. One thing for sure, where Brentford change or not, im sure their management team will consider this and playing us has given em something to think about.

 

I meant when Lampard s Derby knocked Leeds out the semis the year Villa beat Derby in the final

 

Not you obviously but a lot of Barnsley supporters I've spoken too or read comments from have been saying that Bournemouth and Brentford will play football as they did previously against us and that will suit us.

 

I'm certainly not making any such assumption. Over the last 10 games or so (since we emerged from under the radar) almost every team have changed their game against us. It did make a difference and a few managed to take points off us but we still maintained a magnificent run culminating in qualifying for the playoffs. I'm sure that Val and the lads are well aware of this and will be prepared.

 

There is not much point playing the type of press that was so successful earlier in the season, unless the opposition is convinced that it has the quality passers and runners off the ball to play through the press. Fewer and fewer coaches were prepared to take the risk, and so it became an essential part of the strategy when playing at Oakwell to get the ball forward quickly, thereby removing it from the zone where the press was effective. All VI has done is to recognise that the press could not work under those circumstances, and move to his alternative, which is to pull 2 of our front 3 deeper when out of possession. In that respect, the system looks more like the 3-4-3 that I was originally expecting him to use when I was compiling Minority Report in the early days of his tenure. However, remember that the 3 man press requires players who are capable of doing the huge amount of running that the press requires, and 3 big men do not necessarily have the stamina for that type of game. That is why the team must have either Chaplin or Frieser in it if it is to operate that tactic successfully. A front 3 of Dike, Woodrow and Morris effectively means a less efficient press.

All that is beside the point if Brentford decide not to attempt to pass the ball through us, and I do not think that they will. Both coaches will still want to be in the game after the first leg, because if either team wins that first leg, it will put their coach in the driving seat to dominate the tactics of the second leg. For Barnsley, winning the first leg is not vital, but they must not lose it. My guess is that VI would be happy with 0-0. That would mean both a score draw and a win in the second leg will win us the tie. I expect the game to be very cautious, but if there is a goal, it will change the tactics of the team conceding it. But a change of tactics could simply mean more goals against, and an even worse result. There are more holes at the back when a team commits more players forward in search of an equaliser.

As for the ultimate winner. I have no idea. Brentford must be favourite, but that counts for nothing in knock-out games.

 

That's a decent assessment RR. One point of note: away goals don't count in playoffs So extra time (and pens if required) if scores level on aggregate after two legs

 

Didn't think away goals had any bearing @Red Rain.

 

Fair enough, and thanks for the information @Tyke_67 and @Redhelen