Barnsley boss relishes challenge at Peterborough

Assistant head coach Andreas Winkler has urged Barnsley to show what they are capable of when they make the trip to League One high-flyers Peterborough at the weekend.
Andreas WinklerAndreas Winkler
Andreas Winkler

The Reds face arguably their biggest test of the season at London Road, taking on a Posh side that sits second in the table.

Barnsley are one of the favourites for promotion this term following relegation from the Championship, but have won only one of their last four matches.

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And Winkler wants the Tykes to show they are good enough to mix it with the big boys in this division on Saturday.

'It is the club that we have played with the highest ranking up to now,' the German said.

'We also have to play away. It will be a very good challenge for us. Some aspects in their style is very similar to us.

'I don't want to say a turning point, but it is a very important match. We don't want to lose, we want to take the three points.

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'Maybe a draw is also good. But if there is a chance, we want to take three points from Peterborough.

'If you are really a good team, it is good competition for us on Saturday to show we are one of the top teams in the league.

'We are looking forward to this match. It would be a strong message (if Barnsley won).'

Barnsley failed to build on an impressive start during Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with bottom-placed Plymouth at Oakwell.

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Alex Mowatt fired the Tykes ahead with a stunning left-footed effort from distance in the eighth minute, but Ruben Lameiras equalised for winless Argyle shortly before half-time.

The Reds now go head-to-head with the top scorers in the league in Posh, who have netted 28 times in 11 games, and Winkler knows his side need to get better.  

'We need an improvement for sure,' he said.

'Almost everybody has to step up against Peterborough. We can do it. Not only the back four, the midfielders, but every player.

'If you are compact and work together, try to take the ball far away from our goal, then we can.'

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Barnsley will be backed by 2,000 travelling fans at Posh, leaving Winkler flabbergasted.

'That is really amazing,' he added. 'I cannot believe that. Do we have relatives in Peterborough?!'

Dani Pinillos is a doubt for the trip with a knock and could join Zeki Fryers, now with a knee problem, Cauley Woodrow and Lloyd Isgrove on the sidelines.