WAGNER: NO SHOCKS FROM PREDICTABLE ALLARDYCE

HUDDERSFIELD boss David Wagner insists there is no chance of his team being caught by surprise at Everton today – because Sam Allardyce’s tactics are so predictable.

Allardyce’s appointment at Goodison Park has been greeted with little enthusiasm by his new club’s support because of his long-ball reputation.

Wagner claims that he normally has to rip up his tactical plan if he faces a team with a new boss because it means that everything will change. He said: “Usually it isn’t nice when a team changes manager shortly before you play them because then you can put all your tactics in the wastepaper basket.

“This time, because it’s Sam Allardyce and everybody knows how he usually sets his team up, this isn’t a problem.

“Everyone is aware of what a Sam Allardyce team delivers. So there isn’t such a big doubt as to what they will do.”

Wagner, though, might have a word with goalkeeper Jonas Lossl about where to put his clearances after West Ham’s Joe Hart was caught out by a Wayne Rooney wonder goal on Wednesday.

“That showed the top quality of Wayne Rooney,” said Wagner (above left, and, above right, giving his players a pep talk).

“He instantly makes the right decision in these situations.”

Wagner has given a vote of confidence to his goal-shy strikers by insisting that he has no intention of replacing them in January.

Laurent Depoitre and Steve Mounie both arrived in the summer to bolster Huddersfield’s attack following their shock promotion to the Premier League.

But they have scored only twice each for a Terriers team without a goal away from home since the opening day of the season.

“I’m absolutely fine with Depoitre and Mounie in the No.9 position,” Wagner added. “Absolutely fine.

“Even if they have only scored twice at home, I am fine with their performances.”