Barnsley will look to beat Reading at home for the first time in 12 attempts across more than a quarter of a century when they meet at 7.45pm tonight.
The Berkshire club have not lost at Oakwell in 11 visits since 1998 – with five wins and six draws.
The last five meetings in Barnsley have been draws with four 1-1s followed by a 2-2 in April with Fabio Jalo netting a late leveller.
Reds boss Darrell Clarke said: “I just believe in winning the next game. Stats will go out the window at 7.45pm. We will focus on our performance and we believe, when we get it right, we can give anyone a good game.”
Barnsley are sixth in League One with 26 points from 16 games, following their 1-0 loss at home to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
That result ended a five-game unbeaten run and was the first loss at Oakwell in six since the opening day.
Reading are eighth, behind the Reds on goal difference. They remain in financial turmoil under controversial owner Dai Yongge, with a transfer embargo in place in the summer and a potential takeover reportedly stalling.
Ruben Selles’ Royals have won six out of seven home games but had only won one of seven away and had conceded the most goals on the road before a 2-1 win at Peterborough on Saturday.
Clarke said: “Like any team, they have strengths and weaknesses. They picked up a great result at the weekend and they have won a couple of good away games now.
“The head coach has done a fantastic job in the circumstances and he deserves massive credit.
“They are a massive club, with good young talented players who are now exposed to the level and have played a lot of games.
“Without the points deduction, they would have been up there last season.
“They are a good talented side. But so are we – a lot of managers up and down the country say that about us and fear playing us.”
Reading have been plagued by points deductions, late wages and transfer embargoes in recent years. Clarke said: “I am not sure players get affected too much by that. I have had circumstances like that. Players understand they are their own manager. It’s about how they live their life. If you do well in football, the rewards are there for all to be seen. It’s the staff at the club and the ground that I have more sympathy for.”
Former Barnsley captain Andy Yiadom is the Royals’ club captain but has not played this season due to an injury which is expected to keep him out until the New Year, while former Reds loanee David Button is their back-up goalkeeper.
