Gerhard Struber says Barnsley will need luck to spring a 'big surprise' against Leeds United

Barnsley will need luck, bravery and big hearts if they are to spring a huge shock against Leeds United, says boss Gerhard Struber.

The Tykes make the short trip to West Yorkshire on Thursday evening in Championship action.

United sit top of the table and are just four points away from promotion to the Premier League with three games remaining.

Barnsley meanwhile face a huge task in beating the drop to League One as they sit three points from safety at the bottom of the league.

Head coach Struber admits his side face an uphill task at Elland Road, but says with a bit of luck they could provide a shock.

"The players work very hard, but in the end, we also need a little luck in some situations," Struber told his pre-match press conference.

"We work very hard for the luck and hope it comes back on Thursday and we can make a big surprise at Leeds.

"In some situations, we need a killer mood especially in front of goal. We expected goals in our last (two games) and we should have won these games and we were clearly the better team.

"It is more a question of the right balance. We are in tenth place of the Championship after the lockdown (in form).

"We need to be brave boys with a big heart and a good balance between heart and brain. We need everyone on their personal limit on Thursday and then we have a good chance for a big performance and then maybe for a big result.

"This is our goal in this special game against Leeds.

"It is clear that Leeds are the big favourite, but we also have a big quality and it is difficult to play against Barnsley with my style and also with the (right) attitude from my boys.

"We had very good games against Fulham and West Bromwich. It is a crazy what happens in every game.

"We believe in us and believe we can win in a very good performance on Thursday. This is our responsibility and duty to all what we can."

Asked about facing Marcelo Bielsa, he said: "This is a big coach with big experience and also with a big plan, position and style.

"This is the big headline from Leeds. He is also a big name in Austria."