David Prutton forecasts tight affair in Barnsley clash against struggling Derby County

The Tykes lost their first match under new manager Valerien Ismael in midweek after slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Cardiff City.

Prior to that, the French boss had recorded eye-catching results against QPR and high-flying Watford.

The Yorkshire side now sit 18th in the table, three points clear of safety.

They travel to Pride Park on Saturday to face a Derby side currently on a dire run of form.

Phillip Cocu’s men have won just once all season, and are languishing second-bottom in the Championship table.

Their situation has been compounded by the news that the Dutch manager will not be in the dugout this weekend as he begins a period of self-isolation after coming into contact with club CEO Stephen Pearce, who has since tested positive for Covid-19.

Whether his absence will be a help or a hindrance for the Rams remains to be seen, but Prutton is of the opinion that the game will be a tight affair.

Writing for Sky Sports, the pundit predicted a 1-1 draw.

The Tykes have not won a league game against Derby since 2016.

Last season they took one point from a possible six, registering a dramatic 2-2 draw at Oakwell last October thanks to a stoppage time Cauley Woodrow equaliser.

The most recent meeting between the two sides came back in Janaury, with Derby running out 2-1 winners.