Barnsley V Bolton at Oakwell Stadium : Match Preview

01 March 2013 14:31
Barnsley V Bolton - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Etuhu boost for Tykes

Barnsley midfielder Kelvin Etuhu could return to contention for the home game with Bolton.

Etuhu is back in full training after missing the last two matches with a broken nose sustained in the recent FA Cup win at MK Dons.

Manager David Flitcroft has no new injury or suspension problems, but must decide who will start at left-back in the absence of Scott Golbourne, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Jim McNulty and Scott Wiseman have stepped in for Golbourne in the last two matches.

Ryan Tunnicliffe, on loan from Manchester United, is expected to continue in midfield after making his debut last week, while Jacob Mellis and Tomasz Cywka are pushing for recalls.

The Tykes' nine-match unbeaten run was halted at Bristol City last week, but they remain two points clear of the relegation zone and have won their last four home matches.

Bolton will be without midfielder Mark Davies after he was ruled out for up to 10 months.

Davies, recently back from an extended period out with a shoulder injury, hobbled out of Tuesday night's 1-0 victory over Peterborough at the Reebok Stadium after twisting his knee and scans have confirmed damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

Stuart Holden replaced Davies in the first half, completing his longest period of first-team action since recovering from almost two years of severe knee problems, and the USA international may come into contention for a first start since Wanderers' 2-0 League Cup win at Aston Villa in September 2011.

Attacking midfielder Chris Eagles missed out in midweek with illness and full-back Tyrone Mears has a blood infection, with the pair to both be assessed by boss Dougie Freedman.

Kevin Davies and Craig Davies could push for starts in attack having replaced David Ngog and Marvin Sordell after half-time on Tuesday, as Bolton look to build on a five-match unbeaten run that has brought them to within seven points of the npower Championship play-off places.

Defender Matt Mills (thigh) is available again after a spell on the sidelines but midfielder Keith Andrews (Achilles/thigh) remains injured.

Source: PA