TOWN WILL DEFY LOGIC TO STAY UP
DANNY WILLIAMS says Huddersfield’s hopes of survival are being boosted by their lack of know-how in the top flight.
Logic says experience is key in a survival battle but Town midfield star Williams (right) says the opposite applies.
“What makes this team and this club so special and different to the other teams is that most us have not played in the Premier League before,” he said. “We all want to make sure that we can show the rest of the world that we are good enough for this level. We have shown that a lot of times already this season. People are aware we are all hungry to stay in this league.” A third victory in four matches for David Wagner’s side would move them three points ahead of today’s rivals Swansea in the battle to avoid the drop. ALAN PARDEW admits his under-pressure West Brom players risk losing their heads today as they are so “desperate”.
The Baggies prop up the Premier League after six successive losses in all competitions and are eight points adrift of safety ahead of Leicester’s visit.
Pardew has remained in charge after an improved display at Watford, where they only lost 1-0 to a late goal.
He has refused to give up hope and is now trying to rally his squad with three of their next four games at home.
Pardew said: “At the moment, with the results we are getting, we are not getting the best out of any of our players.
“We are trying to improve that and, hopefully, get that right this weekend.
“I can’t ask my players to fight and scrap and dig themselves out of holes, if I am not going to do the same.
“So, that is what I will continue to do until I am asked not to.
“We have to have the character and resolve to put things right and win us a game.
“But there is a thin line between being desperate for a victory and doing the right things at the right times.
“So, we have to get
balance right, that and make sure our desperation doesn’t make us charge around without the intelligence to win a game of football.”
Leicester famously beat the drop in 2015 with a Great Escape, before going on to win the title the next season.
Nigel Pearson’s Foxes were bottom but stayed up with seven wins from their last nine games – including 3-2 at Albion that April with a last-gasp Jamie Vardy winner.
Pardew added: “Leicester were in the same position and had one point less. So it is not impossible for us.
“I like to think that can help us because that inner resolve to prove people wrong is a great driver.
“It drives me, if it doesn’t drive the players they shouldn’t be sports people. But, looking at them, we want to prove people wrong.
“A victory can change the dynamic of a team very quickly.
“You only have to see Swansea’s recovery where a win comes at the right time and you can push on. Let’s get a win and see where we are Sunday night.”
Pardew is still without Gareth Barry, Daniel Sturridge, Nacer Chadli and James Morrison, and skipper Jonny Evans is a doubt.
Striker Sturridge, on loan from Liverpool since January, has only played 78 minutes for the Baggies so far.