This Sunday, Barnes Stormers FC take on South West Athletic in the reverse of last weekend's fixture. Following on from a disappointing performance and defeat, Barnes will be eager to prove what they're really about in this second Barn Elms derby.
"Last week just wasn't good enough. We were slow out of the blocks and it cost us. We need to be better at adapting to the game as it unfolds and starting games on the front foot", said manager Jacko, "But I know after that performance every single player is going to be upping their game and looking to get avenge last Sunday's loss".
That loss meant Barnes dropped to 8th in the table, 2pts and with 2 games in hand over Victoria Line Velocity currently in the relegation zone at 9th but also 2 games in hand over the teams directly above them. Barnes know though that it's points on the board that matter and they really need to win their next two games to put themselves in a strong position coming towards the end of the season and moving as far away from that relegation zone as possible.
With the majority of the squad available for selection, manager duo Harry and Jacko will have some big decisions to make in terms who makes the matchday squad and who starts. "This week selection will be tough, we're still waiting on a couple of late fitness tests on Friday for a couple of the lads, let's see how some of them get on in training but I tell you what we'd love to welcome some of these lads back to the matchday squad." said Jacko. After injuries and family commitments, Michael, Rhys, Luke and George are all available giving Barnes a number of strong options in the midfield.
The likes of Jamani, Barney, Carlos, Kai and James have all been out of the side for various reasons but will hopefully be seen in a Barnes shirt soon. Meanwhile, the Stormers have a number of other players that will be aiming to come back in future weeks in the likes of Joan, Aslie, Ash and Elias.
One key man for Barnes will be Johnny, his workrate in the middle of the park has been likened to prime Kante in recent weeks and has really been superb to help cover ground and shut down the opposition to disrupt their play. That work rate will give the Stormers a platform to work on and they will have to build on it more efficiently than in the last match. "Last week we didn't get a foothold on the game, this Sunday we need to utilise our strengths and look to bring in our wide players far more to really run at the South West defence" said Jacko.
If the Barnes players are going to be storming up the pitch then this is going to be one helluva game!
Come and support the boys on Sunday
Barn Elms Sports Centre
Queen Elizabeth Walk
Barnes
SW13 0DG
10:30am KO