Barnsley v Watford: Barnsley plan hot reception to extend home run

The Tykes have the opportunity to change that record today and strengthen a claim for involvement in this season's promotion race.

After winning just once in nine games, things have started to pick up quickly for Mark Robins's side who have defeated Preston North End, Ipswich Town and Portsmouth in the last three games.

Another victory today against a Watford side who hardly relish coming to Oakwell will keep the optimism growing.

Watford manager Malky Mackay has even voiced concerns about the cold weather in South Yorkshire. Mackay, ironically, is a Scot so should have past experience of the harsh north wind.

Speaking ahead of today's encounter, Mackay said: "The conditions are supposed to be frosty for the weekend and potential snow. The stadium is quite high up and, as far as I can remember, and the wind blows in from those corners. I am pretty sure we are going to have an extra vest on. You will not be seeing any tights from the players – but you might see the odd pair of gloves!"

Such mild trepidation will be music to the ears of the Barnsley supporters who have seen Watford lose on their last four visits to Oakwell. Add the fact that Watford have not won in six games and three points look every bit achievable today.

"Anyone can beat anyone on their day in this league and we have to make sure it is our day tomorrow," said Robins yesterday.

Apart from problems at left-back – where three players have suffered injuries in the last month or so – Robins has good competition in all departments of the field but is still keen to strengthen.

Wolves defender Matt Hill extended his loan deal until January but there were no other deals done at Oakwell on Thursday, the deadline for emergency loan signings.

"We have been trying to get some more in," Robins insisted. "But it has been a very difficult couple of weeks and it has been difficult to do anything.

"I've been trying for a long period but, unfortunately, a lot of managers don't want to let players out on loan at this time of year. There's the 25-man squad rule in the Premier League and a lot of managers want cover for a busy Christmas period, just like ourselves. We'll just have to muddle through and be aware of the suspensions we've got.

"We brought Matt Hill back to the club and we are delighted about that," continued Robins. "Matt will be fit to play in seven to 10 days or so and we have a deal with Wolves that he will return then.

"There is an imbalance in the squad when you look at the defensive side but that is not for the want of trying," he stressed. "It has been difficult to get players who will enhance what we already have. You can go out and spend money on a certain calibre of player but, sometimes, you are better saving that and promoting what you already have.

"We have one or two options in the squad and players who are flexible," he added. "We will certainly be wrapping them in cotton wool."

Robins described victory over Portsmouth as 'excellent' but will not be under-estimating Watford.

"Watford are a young, athletic side who work hard," he said. "They have a great team spirit and pace throughout so we have to match that enthusiasm and determination before we can play our football."

Adult prices have been reduced to 15 for today's game and Robins said: "Hopefully we will get more fans through the turnstiles in the same voice as they were last weekend,. There is no doubt about it, our fans helped us to win that game."

Barnsley last won four games in a row during the 2003-04 season, as they won promotion from League One. Four consecutive wins in the Championship would be a greater achievement and, who knows, possibly a stepping stone to another promotion push?