Barnsley v Crewe preview

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Republic of Ireland Under-21 international John O’Sullivan is set to make his Barnsley debut when Crewe visit Oakwell.

The young midfielder joined the Reds on a one-month loan from Blackburn on Thursday and caretaker boss Mark Burton has confirmed he will go straight into the squad.

Sam Winnall (hamstring) remains on the sidelines but Burton has no fresh injury or suspension concerns as he prepares for a crucial fixture.

Peter Ramage missed last weekend’s 5-1 thumping at Crawley and Burton revealed he is unlikely to feature this Saturday, although the experienced campaigner will be alongside the temporary manager in the dugout.

Crewe could be without striker Lauri Dalla Valle.

The Finn lasted just nine minutes of the midweek loss at Doncaster before being replaced with a hip injury and he is one of a number of the Alex’s players carrying minor problems.

Jamie Ness played 90 minutes despite being ill while fellow midfielder Anthony Grant did likewise while carrying a knock and boss Steve Davis conceded his side looked weary after three straight victories prior to the defeat in South Yorkshire.

The cavalry could arrive in the form of Jon Guthrie, Chris Atkinson (both knee) and Billy Waters (illness) this weekend, yet the returns of Matt Tootle (ankle), Ryan Colclough (hernia) and Fraser Murdoch (knee) are a little further away.

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Barnsley v Crewe preview

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Barnsley will be without suspended midfielder Dale Jennings for their Capital One Cup tie against Crewe.

Jennings was shown a straight red card on the opening day for the second successive season during the weekend defeat to Crawley and starts a three-game ban.

Recent signing Keith Treacy could make his first start for the club in Jennings’ absence, while Reuben Noble-Lazarus provides boss Danny Wilson with an alternative wide midfield option.

Wilson is not expected to make too many changes, but striker Leroy Lita, signed by the Reds on Saturday, is hoping to make his debut.

Crewe manager Steve Davis has confirmed goalkeeper Ben Garratt will be recalled to the starting line-up for their Capital One Cup match away at Barnsley.

Scott Shearer was the man between the sticks for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat away at Fleetwood but Davis will turn to 20-year-old Garratt as he assesses both of his goalkeepers.

Defender Matt Tootle is expected to start despite missing a penalty on the weekend alongside an unchanged defence due to a lack of senior reinforcements on the bench.

Attacking midfielder Brad Inman could also feature after notching his first goal of the season against the Cod Army.