Gerhard Struber on Barnsley FC springing a 'big surprise' at Leeds United

The Reds head to Elland Road following a dispiriting return of just two points from three matches against rivals towards the bottom end of the table, leaving the Oakwell outfit with an uphill task in their quest to avoid relegation.

But despite his side's parlous situation, Struber retains belief that his side can still somehow secure a late-season 'Great Escape', even accounting for their teak-tough finish to the 2019-20 campaign which sees them face Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

His hope is fortified by his side's form against several sides towards the top, with the Reds having recorded a double against Fulham - including a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage in what constituted as arguably the division's shock result of the season in February - and registered two draws against West Brom.

Struber said: "The players work very hard, but in the end, we also need a little luck in some situations. We work very hard for the luck and hope it comes back on Thursday and we can make a big surprise at Leeds.

"In some situations, we need a killer mood especially in front of goal. We expected goals in our last (two games) and we should have won these games and we were clearly the better team.

"It is more a question of the right balance. We are in tenth place of the Championship after the lockdown (in form).

"We need to be brave boys with a big heart and a good balance between heart and brain. We need everyone on their personal limit on Thursday and then we have a good chance for a big performance and then maybe for a big result.

"This is our goal in this special game against Leeds.

"It is clear that Leeds are the big favourite, but we also have a big quality and it is difficult to play against Barnsley with my style and also with the (right) attitude from my boys.

"We had very good games against Fulham and West Bromwich. It is a crazy what happens in every game.

"We believe in us and believe we can win in a very good performance on Thursday. This is our responsibility and duty to all what we can."

On pitting his wits against Marcelo Bielsa, he added: "This is a big coach with big experience and also with a big plan, position and style.

"This is the big headline from Leeds. He is also a big name in Austria."

Struber has confirmed that winger Elliot Simoes will be sidelined with an ankle injury, sustained in the incident which saw Wigan defender Danny Fox in the second half of Saturday's goalless draw at Oakwell.

The Austrian said: "We have a problem with Elliot Simoes. He is not ready to play on Thursday. He has an issue with his ankle and swelling and it is a ligament problem.

"Just now he has a scan. I hope it is not a big impact, but at the moment, he is ready.

"I hope it is not a rupture on the ligament. I hope it is not too bad."