BOSS Scott Parker believes Barnsley have "changed from last year", insisting his side will have to be at their "optimum" to pick up all three points.

Cherries are yet to register a home win in the Championship this campaign, squandering leads to draw 2-2 with both West Brom and Blackpool.

Barnsley, who like Cherries were beaten in the play-off semi-finals last season, changed manager over the summer.

Following Valerien Ismael's departure to join West Brom, Austrian coach Markus Schopp came in as his replacement, leaving his role at TSV Hartberg.

Since taking charge, Schopp has overseen just one league win, against Coventry. They have also only lost once, going down 1-0 to Luton.

There have also been three draws, with the Tykes currently sat 14th in the table, three points behind Cherries.

Discussing Saturday's visitors to Vitality Stadium, Parker said: "They’re definitely a good side. They’ve changed from last year in the way they play.

"They’ve got good quality. Can cause you problems if don’t understand the way they play. As always in this division, every team in this division coming here is going to cause us problems, or they’re always going to pose certain problems we’re going to face.

"We just need to be fully aware of that, and we will be.

"I expect a tough challenge. I expect a game which we’re going to have to be at our best and our optimum to get a result really and that’s the aim.

They’re an organised side. It’s a back five. Defensively pretty solid. We need to be fully aware of their dangers while also exploiting their weaknesses.

"They’ll be doing the same for us no doubt and hopefully we can get the result we want."

Reflecting on the two-week international break which has just passed since the 0-0 draw at Hull City on August 28, Parker added: "I think it was important the players had some time off to refresh a little bit and come out the hectic schedule which they’ve been around and will be around for the remainder of the season.

"International breaks are important times to try and recharge a little bit.

"At the same time, getting the balance right between hard work as well. I feel we’ve got the balance well.

"The players have worked very, very hard over the last couple of weeks and it’s been a good international break."