O’Neill started his rein against Barnsley, let’s hope the result versus a poor Barnsley side doesn’t mean he ends his rein against them too.

Stoke were so poor against Blackpool in the last game, saying that we’ve been poor against the majority of sides we have played that we expect to beat. It’s like O’Neill can motivate and set up a side to play as an underdog but struggles when we are the expected better of the sides, could this be from his Northern Island games where they picked above their weight under O’Neill’s tenure.

Stoke have very little to play for now, so should it be time to play the players that are 100% going to be here in august even if it means dropping some players on paper that should start.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Tonight’s fixture will be the 64th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 22

Draws 18

Barnsley wins 23

The last meeting 

Stoke draw the last meeting between the two sides 1-1. Barnsley had their keeper Bradley Collins to thank as Stoke were on top for most of the game. Collins even saved a penalty from Vrancic, though that’s not hard task against Europe’s worst penalty taking side. Stoke continued to boss the game up until the last 5 mins when Tommy Smith was sent off. 

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 1-2 Luton

Bournemouth 2-1 Stoke

Palace 2-1 Stoke(cup)

Stoke 0-1 Blackpool 

Barnsley

Coventry 1-0 Barnsley

Hull 0-2 Barnsley

Barnsley 3-2 Middlesbrough 

Derby 2-0 Barnsley

Barnsley have won 3 of the last 5 fixtures & only lost 3 of the last 10 against the Potters

Who’s the threat

Cauley Woodrow is the most well known in the Barnsley side but he’s not played since December. 

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Morgan Fox serves his third and final ban for the game. Moore, Powell & Tommy Smith have gone for scans on injuries sustained in the game versus Blackpool. All 3 are major doubts meaning we could once again start in a different formation to the one that started v Blackpool 

What is your score Prediction?