Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber has issued a confident verdict ahead of his side’s trip to Craven Cottage at the weekend, believing they could play into his hands.

The Tykes are looking to claw their way back from the abyss in the relegation zone when they make the trip to automatic promotion hopefuls Fulham. Barnsley haven’t been in great form recently, and have seen their once narrow gap to safety extended to nine points after their disappointing midweek defeat to Birmingham City.

The games don’t get easier as they face the side currently only outside the automatic promotion places on goal difference.

However, Gerhard Struber is confident that there might be an upset on the cards as the bottom side face third. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Struber believes that the possession-based style that Scott Parker’s Cottagers have adopted could play into his team’s hands. He stated (as quoted by the Barnsley Chronicle): "I like Fulham very much. On the ball they have a clear plan and they build up with good possession. 

"As a coach, it is very interesting to look at Fulham games. It is an opponent who play more into my cards than other opponents with only long balls. Maybe it is a good opponent for us to face.

"We have, in my pressing style, I hope, good chances to win balls very high and maybe this is a good chance for us. It is a very difficult game but I hope for the best for my boys. 

"Fulham is a massive opponent and they are playing well right now. They are the big favourite in this game but we will play with a good attitude and energy."

The Tykes will be boosted heading into this game knowing how the opening day of the season panned out when these two last faced each other.

A solitary Luke Thomas goal settled proceedings at Oakwell, giving Barnsley the perfect start to life in the Championship following their promotion last season. 

Fortunes have been massively contrasting since then for the two sides, with their current league positions a huge indicator.

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The verdict

It’s good to see that Struber is looking ahead to this game with confidence that his side can get a positive result against the high-flyers, and not rolling over.

Barnsley have a serious task on their hands to halt a very strong Fulham side but they have already shown this season that they’re capable of doing it.

Times have since changed with the Cottagers finding their feet under Parker and Barnsley changing managers, but there’s always the chance of a shock result.

Barnsley need wins and fast to avoid relegation, and a positive result at Craven Cottage would be a massive confidence booster for that.