Manager's Musings: Pre-Barnsley

Wednesday boss Brian Laws insists his side must make a fast start to the festive South Yorkshire derby against Barnsley at Oakwell tomorrow - but says there are no favourites going into the clash.

The Owls have not had the best of times results-wise at Oakwell recently - with both sides winning their respective derby matches on home soil - and Laws is anticipating a fast-paced start by Simon Davey's men on Saturday.

'They start games very well and score goals early,' Laws told the official SWFC site.

'We've got to make sure we're prepared for that. I feel we will get stronger than Barnsley as the game goes on but we have to make sure we're still in the game to get to that stage.'

Both sides are in good form going into the clash with Wednesday fresh on the back of an impressive 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Boxing Day, while Barnsley have been rejuvinated under caretaker boss Simon Davey and hope to carry on from their 1-0 win over Burnley at Oakwell on Tuesday.

And the recent form of both sides ensures there are no favourites going into the game, according to the Owls gaffer.

'At the end of the day it's a local derby and an even game. There are no favourites. I know we're on a good run but Barnsley are playing well at home.' he added.

'We want it just as much as they do. There will be a lot of commitment and desire. Tackles will be flying in and I don't expect anything less. I don't see a lot of goals in it but we've got to take the game to them.'

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