Match Preview: Barnsley v Newcastle United

Ameobi Lovenkrands
Gutierrez Smith, Nolan Guthrie
Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, Enrique
Harper
NEWCASTLE

Newcastle subs (from): Krul (gk), R Taylor, Khizanishvili, Kadar, Tozer, Butt, Geremi, Donaldson, Carroll, Ranger, Harewood.
Barnsley subs: Preece (gk), Hassell, Moore, Campbell-Ryce, Hallfredsson, Hume, Gray.

NEWCASTLE: Chris Hughton faces the dilemma of whether to reinstate Kevin Nolan after the Magpies' leading scorer completed his one match suspension or retain Nicky Butt who proved to be an able deputy in central midfield at Coventry in midweek. Shola Ameobi announced his return to fitness with a goal at the Ricoh Arena and should keep his place with Marlon Harewood and Peter Lovenkrands vying to partner him in attack. Andy Carroll is available for selection.

Suspensions: None
Injuries: Barton (foot), Vuckic (foot)
Last five league games: WWWWW
Leading league scorer: Nolan 8
Next game: vs Middlesbrough (H) 19/12/09

BARNSLEY: Mark Robbins' side are expected to be tricky opponents this afternoon coming into the game on an unbeaten run of five games with three wins and two draws. The Tykes skipper Stephen Foster is expected to be passed fit despite sustaining a cut eye in midweek. Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Andy Gray - who has shaken off a groin strain - and Emil Hallfredsson hope to be recalled.

Suspensions: None
Injuries: Hume (head)
Last five league games: DLWDW
Leading league scorer: Gray, Hammill 4
Key Player: Rob Kozluk - Former Sheffield United defender can operate at left or right back.

Last season: No corresponding fixture
League head to head: Newcastle 10, Barnsley 10, Draws 8
Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston) G19 Y33 R4 Ave: 1.94
Last Newcastle game: vs Bristol City (H) 03/10/09 0-0 Y3 R0
Odds: H3/1; AEvens; D5/2

It's a fact: The next goal scored against Newcastle will be the 6,000th conceded in the club's league history.
Prediction: 1-2
Comment by Adam Murray: Newcastle should have just enough to extend their winning run.