Barnsley: Reds ready for '˜team of the hour' Luton Town

Barnsley are prepared to come up against League One's 'team of the hour' as they head to Luton for a blockbusting New Year's Day clash at the top of the division.
Daniel Pinillos is an injury doubt for Barnsley against Luton TownDaniel Pinillos is an injury doubt for Barnsley against Luton Town
Daniel Pinillos is an injury doubt for Barnsley against Luton Town

The Reds made it three wins from three in the festive schedule when they beat Charlton on Saturday to climb up to fourth, six points behind the Hatters.

Daniel Stendel's men have come up against Portsmouth, Peterborough and the Addicks in their last four games and a return of seven points highlights their promotion credentials.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the trip to Kenilworth Road is perhaps their biggest test, owing to Luton's fine form.

The Hatters have won 10 of their last 12 league games since their defeat at Oakwell in October's return fixture, drawing the other two.

It is the standout fixture of the division and Stendel knows the size of the task.

'I think we are happy that we beat Charlton and we enjoyed it,' he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'We will now focus on Luton. They are the team of the hour, after our first game they have not lost. 'It is a big task for us, but we are also in good shape and I think it is a top game in the league.'

Stendel is enjoying his first taste of festive football, having won all of their games so far.

He does not claim to know the secret, though, just like he cannot explain his side's back-to-back defeats earlier in December.

'Sometimes you cannot explain,' he added. 'I cannot explain why we didn't win the games before. 'We played well at Sunderland, we lost that game, Wycombe we lost. It is hard sometimes, all teams have the same situations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'It is good that we end the year by winning the games and there is a lot of confidence for the players for the next game and I hope we can keep this for the next few weeks.'

Kieffer Moore should be back at Kenilworth Road after the prolific striker missed the last two games, with a virus and then a back problem.

Moore saw a chiropractor at the end of last week and was only kept out of the Charlton game as a precaution.

Daniel Pinillos was limping at the end of the match after being the victim of Chris Solly's tackle, which saw him dismissed. Stendel is hoping the left-back will be fit to play.