Terriers will make it tough for Warnock and his Bluebirds
CARDIFF City and Huddersfield Town both go in search of their first win of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign when they lock horns at the John Smith’s Stadium tomorrow.
But what can the Bluebirds expect from David Wagner’s side and who are the Terriers’ danger men?
We spoke to the Huddersfield Examiner’s Rory Benson to get the lowdown.
How is the mood in the Huddersfield camp after two defeats from two?
It’s been a tough start to Town’s second season in the top flight, with the Terriers conceding nine goals in their first two outings.
But with Chelsea and Manchester City the two opponents in Town’s first two matches, the feeling around the John Smith’s Stadium is that the season proper starts now.
Last week, Town were missing three first-team stars and there was little hope that they would take any points off the champions, despite doing so last season.
But the hope has returned for this weekend, with the fans believing the Terriers can take three points off former boss Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City.
Defeats against the Bluebirds and Everton in their next two league matches could change the atmosphere in West Yorkshire, however. It’s a game both teams will be targeting.
Will Huddersfield do anything different from their usual game plan?
Town will likely go back to their preferred 4-2-3-1 system when they face Cardiff this weekend, despite playing five at the back against Chelsea and City.
The Terriers will want to keep the ball against Cardiff, getting the crowd behind them at the John Smith’s Stadium as they look to record a first victory of the season.
A number of new signings could be handed debuts this weekend, with Town bringing in bags of pace in the wide areas over the summer.
So, expect to see the Terriers looking to break down the flanks, with the wide men looking for aerial threats Laurent Depoitre and Steve Mounie in the box.
Similarly, Town will look to exploit dead-ball situations, with first-team coach Andrew Hughes working on offensive set-pieces throughout the summer.
Any injuries for Wagner and what’s his expected line up?
Three key men were sidelined for the Terriers last weekend, with Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen and Jonathan Hogg injured and Aaron Mooy absent for the birth of his second child.
All three are expected to be back this weekend however, giving David Wagner a full complement to select from for the Bluebirds clash.
All three will likely return to the first team for Saturday’s outing, with Zanka likely to join Christopher Schindler, Florent Hadergjonaj and Terence Kongolo in the back four.
Mooy and Hogg will probably anchor the midfield, with Alex Pritchard flanked by Adama Diakhaby and Ramadan Sobhi in the forward three.
Mounie or Depoitre will lead the line, while Jonas Lössl could return to the starting XI after stand-in goalkeeper Ben Hamer struggled at the Etihad Stadium.
Who is the main Huddersfield player to keep an eye out for?
Adama Diakhaby has looked sharp in pre-season and has electric pace. The former AS Monaco man could terrorise Premier League defences with his speed, but so far we haven’t seen a particularly attacking display from Town.
This weekend could provide the perfect opportunity for Diakhaby to showcase his skills, with the Terriers in needs of goals and points.
Mounie has also impressed in pre-season with his heading ability, while 2014 World Cup winner Erik Durm is also coming back to fitness.
Mooy will be key for the hosts too, with the Australian providing the pivot between attack and defence for Wagner’s men.