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Barnsley Preview

Leeds bring 2011 to a close with a visit to our nearest Championship neighbours Barnsley.

Despite slipping to a second consecutive defeat at Derby, Simon Grayson was unable to find fault with his players efforts but he will have to make at least two enforced changes, Tom Lee's (concussion) and Robert Snodgrass (appendix).

Paul Connolly is likely to come in at right-back, the position where Lee's was a surprising starter at Pride Park. Who replaces Snodgrass is another question? Can he be replaced? Will Simon Grayson hand a start to Ramon Nunez? Mika Vayrynen? or ask Lloyd Sam to probe the right side of midfield?

Up front, my prediction is Ross McCormack and Luciano Becchio will keep their places after glowing endorsements from their manager during the week.

Leeds have also recalled Alex Bruce on-loan from Huddersfield and my expectation is he will make the bench.

Barnsley will be seeking a double over Leeds just five weeks after their shock 2-1 win at Elland Road.

Keith Hill earlier spoke about the different kinds of "pressure" he and Simon Grayson were under, with Grayson's objectives being getting Leeds up in May 2012.

However Hill has a string of absentees and may be forced to blood youngsters John Stones (17) and Paul Digby (16).

Danny Drinkwater is out with a thigh injury and there are serious doubts over Jim O'Brien and Reuben Noble-Lazarus.

Nile Ranger, who arrived at Oakwell in a blaze of publicity has limped off back to Newcastle with a twisted-ankle.

Kick off at Oakwell is at 1pm on Saturday.

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