Thompson relishing Oakwell return

City tackle Thompson's old boys

Steve Thompson set for his first return to Barnsley since leaving for Man City

Manchester City manager Steve Thompson makes his first return to Oakwell since leaving to take reigns at the Etihad stadium at the end of last season and the 29 year old is relishing the prospect. Thompson is likely to receive a frosty reception from the fans who once adored him but Thompson admits he can understand the fans feelings towards him given the timing of his departure.

Thompson has guided City to the top of division remaining undefeated in competitive action since taking charge whilst his former employers are still to taste victory and currently find themselves in the relegation zone but Barnsley are dangerous as Thompson well knows and City will certainly need to ensure they don't drop their performance levels in what is sure to be an entertaining game.

Manchester City team news:

City have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Oakwell trip and could name the same starting XI that beat Scunthorpe last time out. New signings Matej Vydra and Federico Fernandez are both likely to travel with their new team mates but not be named in the match day squad. John Terry and Axel Witsel will both be looking to push on after their impressive performances were the latter helped himself to a goal.

Steve Thompson spoke earlier today about the trip to his old club.......

"I am really looking forward to the trip to Oakwell it was the first fixture i looked for when they was released. I know i am likely to get a unpleasant reception and i can understand given the timing of my departure but i still hold the club in high regard and wish them nothing but success after our game tomorrow.

I know Craig hasn't had the best of starts but i know that group of players and i know they could again fight for a play off place. He just needs that win to kick start the season and they will push on.

We are taking a fully fit squad with us tomorrow which is a massive bonus and enables us to keep some consistency in selection and hopefully some consistency in our results. It's nice to be top of the table so early but we are the target for every side now and we need to rise to the pressure and play like potential champions and that means taking our chances and putting teams away convincingly"