The talking stops at 3pm on Saturday as Barnsley and Coventry City take to the field for their opening game of the 2007/08 season.
As always on opening day the weather is set fair and a healthy contingent of Sky Blues’ fans should be behind the goal to cheer on their team.
Vital Quotes:
Iain Dowie: ‘I have been to Oakwell many times and they get a great atmosphere there and the first game of the season is always very special.
‘They are usually very frantic and very competitive but I think, physically, we are looking in very good shape and getting close to getting the injured lads back.’
Barnsley Team News:
Nine summer signings are available to make their Barnsley debuts including ex-City loanee Rohan Ricketts.
Player to watch: Kayode Odejayi
Signed from Cheltenham in the summer, the striker has been in good form in pre-season.
Coventry City Team News:
De Zeeuw, Cairo and McNamee will not play, Leon Best is a doubt with a knee injury.
Player to watch: Marcus Hall
Could get the nod to partner Elliott Ward in the centre of defence but made a couple of clangers against Udinese last week and has been told that Gary Borrowdale will be first-choice at left-back.
Match Facts & Stats
Wayne Andrews scored the only goal of last season’s game to justify Micky Adams’ decision to take off Leon McKenzie just minutes before.
Ref Watch:
Mr S W Mathieson of Cheshire takes charge.
Next Fixtures:
Carling Cup home ties for Barnsley against Darlington and for the Sky Blues against Notts County.
