BARNSLEY will look to win their first three league games of a season for the first time since they went up to the Premiership as they host familiar foes Bolton Wanderers tomorrow from 3pm.
The Reds have won their first two League One games against Plymouth Argyle and Burton Albion – one of six teams to do so this season.
They also won on penalties at home to League Two Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.
Head coach Conor Hourihane told the Chronicle: “We’ve got off to a decent start. There’s a good confidence in the dressing room.
“It’s a big week now. We’ve got three league games.
“We’re really looking forward to the week in general. Bolton, obviously, to start with and then we’ve got a couple of away games after that.
“We will test ourselves now this week and see where we’re at.
“I am big on telling the group to not get carried away. We just work to get better and we’re pushing the lads all the time. There’s no time to rest.
“It’s on to the next day, on to the next game to get better and that’s been a big message from me to the lads this week.”
Bolton lost 2-0 at Stockport on the opening day then also beat Plymouth this week before losing on penalties in the EFL Cup against Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday.
The Trotters lost in the play-off semi-final to Barnsley in 2023 then beat the Reds at the same stage a year later before losing the final, then finished eighth last year with Steven Schumacher replacing Ian Evatt as manager. Hourihane said: “It’s a brilliant test for us.
“They are a really good side.
“I’ve watched their last two games against Plymouth and Stockport.
“I think they’re well-coached.
“They have a good manager and some really good players.
“So it will be a test for us, but one that we’re really looking forward to.”
The two clubs have met 53 times, with Barnsley winning 17 – including the last three – and losing 19.
The Reds did the double over Bolton last season, winning 2-1 away on Boxing Day under Darrell Clarke then 4-1 at home in April under Conor Hourihane.
Bolton have former Barnsley strikers John McAtee and Victor Adeboyejo although the latter is recovering from a serious knee injury.
Barnsley players Luca Connell, Josh Earl and Nathanael Ogbeta all used to play for the Trotters.
After Saturday’s game, which is the third at home in a week, Barnsley make long trips to Peterborough United on Tuesday then AFC Wimbledon the following Saturday.
The month will be rounded off by two all-Yorkshire games as they host Rotherham United in the EFL Cup in midweek then welcome Huddersfield Town in the league on August 30.
