Stoke City v Barnsley - Revenge not on Tykes’ agenda, says Adam Murray

In terms of the psychological wounds inflicted upon Barnsley in what was a bruising 2019-20 season at times, two punishing defeats to Stoke at critical junctures of the Reds’ campaign were close to the top of the list.

Caretaker head coach Adam Murray knows that only too well.

The final game of his first interim spell in charge was a bloody one as Barnsley crashed 4-2 at home to Stoke City last November in a relegation ‘six-pointer’.

The reverse fixture in the Potteries in July – at the start of a crunch week in the Reds’ season – was similarly grim as they were overwhelmed in a 4-0 routing.

It will ensure that Barnsley will not be short in motivation tonight. But as far as Murray is concerned, it is not about exacting revenge, more a matter of pride.

Murray said: “In both games last season, we were poor and it was a deflating feeling. We never saw those performances coming.

“It was a tough one. I think it is more of a case of us showing what we are about as in the last few games against Stoke, we have not been anywhere near the levels we know we can be.

“In terms of revenge and all that talk, I do not think it is a case of that. It is more us having a self-pride in what we are about as a team and a football club. As long as we do that and commit to our game plan and style, things will take care of itself.”

The fixture is liberally spiced by the presence of former Reds players Jacob Brown – who moved to Stoke on the eve of the new season – and ex-captain Adam Davies, now finally establishing himself as the Potters’ No 1 goalkeeper, in the home squad. A third in Liam Lindsay is likely to be on the periphery tonight.

Those links between both camps have ensured that the communication lines between one particular part of South Yorkshire and Staffordshire have been open this week. But the information sent out has been sparing.

Murray, who confirmed that the club are scrutinising some free agent options up front, continued: “When it comes to match-day, they are opponents and we want to beat them and get the better of them. I know that there has been a couple of texts flying around and people trying to find information from us After the game, we will speak to them. Before the game, no.

“Jacob was a very good and strong player for us. We know his strengths, but at the same time – unfortunately for him, we know his weaknesses as well.

“We’re aware of the players who have been in our building and what they bring to the table. But the focus is on us.”

Winless in the league so far this season they may be, but Barnsley – still partway through the process to bring in a permanent successor to Gerhard Struber – are feeling a touch better about themselves after Saturday’s positive late point against high-flying Bristol City.

The participation of key defender Michael Sollbauer, subject of a crude aerial challenge from Robins’ substitute Callum O’Dowda which saw him receive treatment for seven minutes in stoppage-time, remains in doubt.

Deadline-day signing Matty James is likely to be eased into the fray, with the club mindful that the midfielder has played little competitive football over the past two seasons.

Last six games: Stoke LWWWDW; Barnsley WLLDLD.

Referee: M Salisbury (Lancashire).

Last time: Stoke 4 Barnsley 0, July 4, 2020; Championship.

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James Mitchinson