Bournemouth are unbeaten in their first five league games of the season, with two wins and three draws to their name so far.
A 0-0 draw with Hull City a fortnight ago, in which the Cherries dominated the possession and chances, was the first time they had drawn a blank this season after netting twice in each of their first four matches.
Dominic Solanke was denied three times by Matt Ingram at the MKM Stadium, but he will now be supported in attack by Jamal Lowe, who signed from Swansea City on deadline day.
Bournemouth’s first two home games have finished as 2-2 draws, against West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool, despite Scott Parker’s men taking the lead in both fixtures.
Both of Barnsley’s two away games so far have also finished as draws, against Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers, so perhaps the outcome of Saturday’s fixture is somewhat inevitable.
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Markus Schopp’s side also had to settle for just a point on home turf last time out, as they drew 1-1 with Birmingham City.
Callum Styles gave the Tykes an early lead which was cancelled out by Lukas Jutkiewicz before half time, with Schopp suggesting that “we have so many things where we can improve”.
Barnsley are only three points behind their hosts and would overtake them in the table with a two-goal victory on Saturday.
The South Yorkshire outfit came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-2 in their last meeting in March – that was their first victory over the Cherries in seven attempts since 2004
