Everything is pointing towards a thrilling contest already, with not only the game a complete sell out, but both sides head into it in terrific form – as well as both trying to play decent football.
The two side's last meeting back in mid-October was also the last time the Town were beaten in the league, playing 12 since then, winning on ten occasions.
After a couple of little stutters from Daniel Stendel's side, the Tykes are very much firing on all cylinders again, rounding off 2018 with a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic, making it three consecutive victories.
Former Hatters Cameron McGeehan and Cauley Woodrow have been important figures for the Reds so far this campaign – the former netting his first goal of the campaign in their 3-2 win over us.
THE GAFFER SAYS:
On taking on Barnsley: "It's a big test, they were the last team to beat us as we know. It'll be a good test, they're a good side, a very good side at the level. They have got some phenomenal players for the level, they were a Championship side last season and will have aspirations, they've got a big budget, all those things.
"But we know it will be a good football game, they're a wonderful football side, but so are we and they've got to come to our place and we're in excellent, form, we can't be in any better form really. Especially at home, so hopefully it proves to be a New Year's cracker and one we're going to relish."
On Cameron McGeehan returning to Kenilworth Road as a Barnsley player: "You hope he gets a good reception, but that's about. With these things though, there's no sentiment, Cameron showed no sentiment to us by scoring against us in the last game and we have got to make sure that doesn't happen again and we've got to make sure we show no sentiment to Cameron McGeehan.
"It will be great to see him, because he is a great kid and was one we really enjoyed working with and one we gave a lot of time to, but now that's gone and we have to make sure we forget that. No friendships, no sentiment, just ruthlessness and that's what we have got to show."
YOU CAN WATCH NATHAN JONES' PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE ON IFOLLOW FREEVIEW BY CLICKING HERE.
WHO?
The club has bounced between the Championship and League One a couple of times over recent years, their relegation last season bringing an end to a two-season spell in the second tier. Once a Premier League side, albeit for a single season, the club have more recently won the Football League Trophy (2015/16) – with Danny Hylton heading in a superb goal for the side the Reds defeated that day, Oxford United.
This next month could prove to be of great importance to the Reds, as after today they face Oxford, Bradford, Wimbledon and Rochdale – all teams who find themselves either in a relegation scrap or down in the bottom half of the table.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Kick-off is at 3pm at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday 1st January.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tomorrow's game is a sell-out – so no tickets will be available on the day!
POWER COURT CAR PARKING
Take advantage of the fantastic car parking deal we have on for supporters, click here for more info!
AWAY SUPPORTERS
If you're a Barnsley supporter heading to Kenilworth Road for tomorrow's game, click here to have a look at our away supporters' guide.
PLAYED BEFORE?
We’ve already pitted our wits against the Tykes this season, with Daniel Stendel’s side running out 3-2 winners in a thoroughly entertaining afternoon at Oakwell back in October. In total, Town have been victorious over Barnsley on 23 occasions, drawn eight, and lost 27 times.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
The main blow-by-blow account of the action from Kenilworth Road will be provided via the Match Centre on the club website, which you can access by clicking here. (*Please note that the club's Live Text will appear only by accessing through an internet browser, users of the Luton Town FC app will receive updates from Opta... the EFL Digital team assure us they are working on a fix to get club updates onto the app)
The main moments from the game will appear on the Hatters' social media feeds:
Twitter – @LutonTown
Facebook – www.facebook.com/LutonTown/
Instagram – www.instagram.com/ltfc_official/
And of course Simon Pitts will be on hand to provide commentary for iFollow Hatters which you can subscribe to by clicking here.
If you're an international subscriber, make sure you purchase a match pass so you can watch the game live!
