Saturday 24th April 2010
The Coca Cola Championship
Oakwell Stadium
Referee: R J Booth
Kick-off: 15:00
Barnsley (18th) V Queens Park Rangers (14th)
By The Godfather

Don't expect this to be a thrilling encounter. This is a match between two of the teams occupying the lower mid-table positions, neither of which have much to play for. I wouldn't be surprised if a few of the youngsters, such as Joe Oastler and Josh Parker, are given opportunities to impress. After such a turbulent season, it would be nice to end the campaign on a high, perhaps even achieving a top-half finish. Let's hope that Warnock's men produce an improved performance to that of Tuesday night against Watford.

Barnsley

Manager: Mark Robins

Season 2008-09 finish: 20th place.

When these two sides met at Loftus Road earlier in the campaign, Barnsley looked absolutely woeful. Rangers won the match 5-2, exploiting the large gaps in the Tykes' defence and taking advantage of some very dodgy goalkeeping from David Preece. In truth, Barnsley looked destined for relegation.

To the surprise of many, Robins has guided his team clear of relegation trouble, playing some very attractive football in the process. That said, the Tykes are currently on a bad run of form, having not won since the 16th March against Nottingham Forest. However, mathematical safety means that there is no real cause for concern.

Men to watch

Barnsley's top scorer this season is Daniel Bogdanovic, who has netted a total of 14 goals in all competitions. The Maltese international striker has really impressed the supporters with his performances this campaign, and I expect that the 30 year-old will be a strong contender for the Tykes' Player of the Year award.

Experienced centre forward, Andy Gray, could partner Bogdanovic in attack. The 32 year-old is perhaps best known for his successful spells with Sheffield United and Burnley, during which he established himself as a proven goalscorer in this division. Gray, who also lists Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Charlton among his former clubs, has earned two caps for the Scottish national team.

The Tykes also have the talented Iain Hume, who can play as a striker or an attacking midfielder. At one point there was some doubt as to whether the Canadian would play again, after suffering a fractured skull as the result of a sickening elbow from Chris Morgan. Thankfully, he has recovered brilliantly, establishing himself as a first-team regular and offering the side creativity and skill.

On the flank, Martin Devaney could be handed a place in the starting line-up. The 29 year-old, who was once linked with a move to Loftus Road, has made over 140 appearances for the Tykes since 2005. His former clubs include Cheltenham and Watford.

At the back, Barnsley will be relying upon Darren Moore to deal with QPR's attacking threat. Moore has bags of experience in the Championship, having enjoyed successful periods with Bradford, Portsmouth, West Brom and Derby. He signed for Barnsley in 2008 and has since made 71 appearances. At the age of 35, perhaps the Rs can expose his lack of pace on Saturday afternoon.

In goal, Luke Steele will probably retain his place. The 25 year-old keeper is a very talented shot-stopper, and will no doubt provide a stern test for the QPR forwards on Saturday afternoon.

Previous Match

September 2009 - This was the most entertaining match I have seen at Loftus Road for quite some time. It had everything: wonder-strikes, goalmouth scrambles, a penalty kick and some attractive football from both sides. At last Queens Park Rangers were able to convert a large proportion of the opportunities that they created, storming to a 3-0 lead in the first half thanks to a Leigertwood goal and two fine Buzsaky strikes. Although a Stephen Foster header and an Andy Gray penalty gave Rangers a real scare early in the second period, a terrible piece of goalkeeping by David Preece allowed the Super Hoops to regain the upper hand, before Jay Simpson sealed the victory with a tap-in.

QPR Manager, Jim Magilton: "We've raised the bar. I was worried about today because I know Mark Robins is a very good manager and his side have improved under him, so it was always going to be a tricky game for us, especially after all the hype. We had to do whatever we could to get three points and some of our play was extremely good. It was a bit nervy at times and we afforded them a few too many chances, but all in all I am pleased."

Queens Park Rangers 5-2 Barnsley

QPR Team News

Damion Stewart is still recovering from the fractured skull he sustained against Crystal Palace. Matthew Connolly will also miss the final two games of the season through an ankle injury. Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees. Warnock could choose to give some of the youngsters a chance, perhaps replacing Adel Taraabt, who was substituted in the first half of the Watford match.

Prediction

As already mentioned, I don't expect that this will be a particularly exciting match. With both teams so close to each other in the league table, I think that it will be quite an even encounter, probably physical and rather scrappy. Queens Park Rangers will need to play far better than they did against Watford, but I fancy them to grind out a creditable 1-1 draw.

Barnsley 1-1 Queens Park Rangers