Willock and Grant can’t look back at Leeds defeat
THERE are two Huddersfield Town players who may be keener than the rest to get back on top form against Wigan Athletic.
When it comes to attacking play and, particularly in recent home matches, manager Danny Cowley has come up with an enticing formula.
He’s had Fraizer Campbell pressing high as the No.9 and supported with menace and intent by No.10 Emile Smith Rowe and widemen Chris Willock and leading scorer Karlan Grant.
Those two wide players came under the cosh in the 2-0 defeat by Leeds United at Elland Road because Helder Costa (right) and Jack Harrison (left) posed them massive defensive headaches.
As Leeds pressed forward so effectively, Grant and Willock were basically frozen out as attacking threats for the Terriers.
That shouldn’t be the same at the John Smith’s Stadium, even though Wigan will travel to match Town’s 4-2-3-1 system.
Jamal Lowe is likely to figure on their right flank and Gavin Massey on the left, with former Town attacker Gary Roberts playing behind striker Kieffer Moore.
The 16-goal Grant and Benfica loan man Willock – who notched his first Town goal in the 2-1 home win over Bristol City – will have the onus on them to help Town get back to their effective best.
Town are looking for a third successive home win and the two wide men – supported by full-backs Danny Simpson and Harry Toffolo – will be pivotal to Town’s chances of picking up three points.
Grant has been in fine form for much of the season and, without his goals, Town would be down already – so it’s just about him putting the 90 minutes against Leeds firmly behind him.
And Willock will be keen to shine again, having established himself ahead of Elias Kachunga on the right flank and created a very favourable impression thanks to his skilful running and eye for a chance.
IT is possible to be honest without telling the whole truth and, with a bit more imagination, to be truthful without being entirely honest.
Unless they want to quickly develop a reputation for being full of hot air, football managers have to be masters of both sides of this kind of diplomacy.
We don’t always get the full factual picture from Danny Cowley – there are often certain details he would prefer to stay inside the camp – but those of us in the media who have spoken to him regularly at