Play-off contenders Barnsley will be without suspended forward Milan Lalkovic as they welcome Preston North End to Oakwell on Saturday.
The Slovakian’s straight red card in a midweek draw at Leyton Orient – due to his two-footed tackle on Nathan Clarke – will see his sit out, as they face a Preston side in fine form in a push for the top spot.
However, manager Lee Johnson will be pleased to have no other injuries or suspensions, meaning he will be able to field an extremely strong side in front of the home supporters.
Peter Ramage is expected to return after eight games out due to a thigh injury, while forward Jabo Ibehre, on loan from Colchester, could push for his first start in the absence of Lalkovic after three appearances from the bench.
Both sides have managed six wins and a single draw in their last seven league games, but Simon Grayson’s side will be bolstered by the return of top scorer Joe Garner, who should lead the line once again after overcoming his illness.
The 20-goal striker was unable to complete the full 90 minutes against Peterborough on Tuesday, and was later revealed to be suffering from a virus. Nevertheless, a successful training session two days later suggests he will be raring to net against the side just one point ahead of the Posh.
Trailing league leaders Bristol City by eleven points with two games in hand, Jermaine Beckford will hope to continue his fine form since his return – having scored four goals in his last five games. Despite his retirement scare from an ear infection, the former Leeds United frontman will be hoping to have returned to fitness in time.
As current leaders Bristol are without a fixture this weekend, Grayson will hope to close the gap on Steve Cotterill’s side – who will next entertain Barnsley in a week’s time.