View From T'Other Side: Part One

Last updated : 14 February 2008 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

If we are being honest your only chances of silverware this season are the FA Cup and Champions League, do you think because of this Rafa Benitez will play a strong side on Saturday?

It's true that the cup competitions are our only hope for success this season, but it could also be argued that finishing fourth is more important for the long term future of the club - not qualifying for the Champions League next season could cause huge problems financially. But that being said, Benitez will play a strong-ish side, much like he has done in previous rounds, even against Havants! Expect to see Crouch up front, perhaps alongside Babel, Gerrard in the middle with Alonso, Lucas might be involved again though, and Pennant. I sincerely doubt Torres will start and Carragher may well be rested with Inter in mind on Tuesday.



There has been a well-documented battle behind the scenes at Anfield this season, do you think the game on Saturday could be marred by fans chanting against Hicks and Gillett?

No, a fans group called 'Sons of Shankly' (SOS) has been set-up and it has been agreed to keep chanting etc. during matches to supporting the team only. However, there are plans for a 15 minute protest after every home match to ensure the supporters are still being heard and not to give Hicks in particular the wrong impression that he has won the PR battle. This was done against Aston Villa with little co-ordination, expect to see flyers being handed out explaining the campaign pre-match around the ground.



The last time Barnsley came to Anfield was nearly 11 years ago and we won 1-0! Has anything around the stadium changed in the intervening years?

There should have been a brand new stadium being built in Stanley Park by now - but Hicks couldn't do maths and now most intelligent supporters realise it won't be happening soon. Beside that, since 11 years ago, there's a fair few more boarded up houses and some of the old derelict ones around the Kop end have been demolished... Not a lot else though, maybe more likely to get clamped when parking near the ground nowadays though so be careful where you park!



Are there any Barnsley players you are particular worried about?

Is John Hendrie still playing?! I guess Jonathan Macken will be a threat and Nardiello alongside him? And your Brazilian Da Silva might fancy it on the big stage - depending who we play in midfield he might be a threat but we should be able to cope.



Finally a score prediction?

We're so unpredictable these days, it might even take Torres to come off the bench and save the day.... I'll go for 2-0 home win.




To view my answers to Matt's Questions click here: http://www.thisisanfield.com/columnists/2008/02/view-from-the-road-end-barnsley/