Bristol City v Barnsley
By Red Army
August 4 2017
So the football season is finally back after a long summer and our beloved reds travel to face Bristol City and our old manager Lee Johnson on the opening day of the season.
The super reds could be without summer signings Lloyd Isgrove, Liam Lindsay and Zeki Fryers who have foot, groin and hamstring injuries respectively.
Other new signings Stevie Mallan, Jason McCarthy, Cameron McGeehan, Ethan Pinnock, Ike Ugbo and Joe Williams will all be hopeful of making their Barnsley debuts.
The only one who definitely looks set to start is Joe Williams after boss Paul Heckingbottom confirmed after the 4 – 0 friendly defeat to Rotherham that he was the only player in the entire squad definitely starting at Bristol.
Reds fans come in to this one pessimistic following a poor showing in pre-season along with all the player departures and new signings that are unproven at this level.
It could indeed prove to be a long hard season for the reds and even boss Paul Heckingbottom is now showing his frustrations towards the board and their lack of Championship quality recruitment.
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) the super computer that predicts the outcome of football matches seems to agree with reds fans that fear an opening day defeat.
SAM’s prediction is a 58% home win, 23% draw and only a 19% away victory.
I hate to say it but I too predict that is could end up a comfortable 3 – 0 victory for Bristol City. I hope I’m wrong but that’s my prediction.
Reds fans lets have your predictions. Please comment below.
As for team selection, I am none the wiser who Hecky might select. Reds fans lets have your selections below too.