Barnsley v Cardiff City - Valerien Ismael keen to pit wits against Oakwell legend Mick McCarthy

Those who believe there is no sentiment in football anymore may have missed the fact that the new Cardiiff chief and ex-Reds captain Mick McCarthy will step out as City manager for the first time at a place he knows so well.

Ismael believes that the arrival of the vastly-experienced Yorkshireman will provide a psychological boost for Cardiff’s players with all being eager to impress the new man in charge.

Cardiff’s Oakwell record over the past few years is outstanding with a six-match unbeaten sequence featuring five wins.

The Welsh outfit’s recent form is quite the opposite with a wretched six-match losing run ensuring that time was called on Neil Harris’s regime, with McCarthy brought in to steady the ship.

He said: “I know he is a Barnsley guy. This is a Championship where there is quality through to the bench and with the manager and I am very delighted to face such a big manager with his experience and that is why it is a big challenge because we have to face a new situation.

“A new manager has come and there is a new motivation for the players. But a good thing is that we know exactly what we are going to get with Cardiff and I do not think they will change their way of playing football.”

Last six games: Barnsley WLWLLW; Cardiff LLLLLL.

Referee: A Woolmer (Northants).

Last time: Barnsley 0 Cardiff 2, March 7, 2020; Championship.

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