There was a seismic gap between Barnsley and Bristol Rovers in last season’s League One table as the Tykes finished 19 points and nine places ahead of their opponents but they are level four games into the new campaign. Both sides have two wins and a draw, picking up victories last weekend as Barnsley won 3-0 at Crawley Town and Bristol Rovers beat Cambridge United 2-0.
Former manager Neill Collins led Barnsley to a home win over this weekend’s opponents in January following a 1-1 draw at the Memorial Stadium in August 2023. Continue reading for The Deck’s regular preview of a selected League One fixture every game week, with Rotherham’s win over Huddersfield Town the feature from matchday four.
Barnsley Bounce Back From Opening Day Defeat
It was the worst possible start to Darrell Clarke’s reign as his side were beaten at home by Mansfield Town and they remain winless at home after throwing away a two-goal lead against Northampton Town. Both goals resulted from an error, with Chelsea loanee Gabriel Slonina failing to claim a free-kick into the penalty area from Mitchell Pinnock for the equaliser.
They bounced back emphatically to thrash Crawley Town, scoring three goals in the first half to put the game beyond doubt. Goalscoring midfielder Adam Phillips grabbed a brace and the 26-year-old will be key if they are to compete for automatic promotion. Captain Luca Connell is another standout in the middle of the pitch with Sam Cosgrove and Max Watters completing a strong front two.
They still have to integrate Stephen Humphyrs into their forward line after he completed a deadline-day switch. They have plenty of quality in the squad but arguably look weaker with the departures of Callum Styles, Devante Cole and Herbie Kane. The majority of their major arrivals have been experienced players, which should stand them in good stead at the business end of the season, having almost missed out on the playoffs after a run that saw them pick up two points from their last six matches in the 2023/24 League One campaign.
Bristol Rovers Squad Starting to Take Shape After Active Transfer Window
There were several new permanent arrivals and loanees in the door at the Memorial Stadium but there has been a couple that have stood out above the rest. A fee reported to be in the region of £500,000 was spent on Fleetwood Town’s Promise Omochere and the 23-year-old scored twice in last week’s win over Cambridge United.
He provided a spark in attacking areas and it is an interesting prospect to see how all the new signings gel into a functioning team over the next few months. It could go either way, with a manager in Matt Taylor who worked wonders at Exeter City but has to prove himself at League One or Championship level. One player who has impressed is West Brom loanee Josh Griffiths, having earned three clean sheets in four League One outings.
His form has contributed to Bristol Rovers conceding just two goals from an expected goals conceded of 6.55, which included trips to Rotherham United and high-flying Stockport County. They have an impressive defensive trio of James Wilson, Taylor Moore and Clinton Mola. The defenders are flanked by wing-backs who have started the season well, including Luke Thomas, who has two assists from his four outings. Bryant Bilongo scored the winner against Northampton Town from a right wing-back/midfield role.
Verdict
Barnsley are on an eight-game winless streak at Oakwell in League One including last season’s playoff defeat to Bolton Wanderers and must improve on their record of just nine home wins in 2023/24 if they are to compete at the top end of the table. Bristol Rovers have yet to build a coherent team but have some talented individuals, although it does look like it may be too soon to pick up an away win here.