How Sheffield Wednesday aim to combat Barnsley threat in vital South Yorkshire derby

But Wednesday can certainly have a big say in the relegation battle in their forthcoming away double-header with Barnsley and Luton Town.

The Reds are languishing in 23rd position, seven points adrift of safety, after three defeats on the bounce. Gerhard Struber's side are only above bottom club Luton on goal difference with 16 matches left to play.

But despite Barnsley's precarious position, boss Garry Monk is refusing to underestimate the threat the Reds will pose at Oakwell on Saturday lunchtime, kick-off 1:30pm.

Monk, whose stuttering side have accrued just four points from their last seven outings, said: "We have probably had that problem in the last month where we have been very good in some of the games and performed at a high level and we have then caught a cliff face.

"What you have to do is close that gap to make sure when you have dips that they are not as dramatic. It is what we are all fighting for.

“Barnsley seem - I wouldn’t say a different team - but they seem to be a lot stronger in their performances at home.

"I have watched some of their home games and they have been unlucky in terms of their results.

“It will be a tough game, a derby as well. We are looking forward to it.

“But the focus is on us, not the opposition.”