Palmer says hard work is needed in order to build on victory

KASEY PALMER reckons beating Bristol City was the perfect way to kick-start a busy week for Huddersfield Town.

David Wagner’s side head to Burton Albion tonight fourth in the Championship after their 2-1 home win.

Then it’s a Sky-televised game at Norwich City on Friday for a side who have claimed 10 victories in 20 league matches this term.

“We haven’t set a points target for this spell, we just want to keep playing well and working hard,” said on-loan Chelsea forward Palmer.

“We have made a good start, and the win over Bristol City sets us up nicely going into the next two games, which will both be hard.”

Palmer was pleased by he way he, Elias DAVID WAGNER says winning at Burton would be as big an achievement for Town as their success at Newcastle earlier this season.

His side, fresh from beating Bristol City 2-1 at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday, head to Staffordshire fourth in the Championship and chasing an 11th win in all and fourth on the road.

The first away victory was at current leaders Newcastle back in August.

Burton, playing second-tier football for the first time after two straight promotions, are 20th.

But head coach Wagner warned: “They will make it very hard for us.

“We must be prepared to go out of our comfort zone.

“In my opinion, it’s easier when you go to a big stadium like Newcastle or Aston Villa.

“This is a smaller stadium, where the crowd are on top of you and you are facing just as determined an opponent.

“It is more important than ever to be mentally strong.

“I have massive respect for Burton and what they have achieved.

“They deserve to be where they are, they have good players, and they have a good home record.”

Town are attempting to become only the third visiting side this season to take all three points from the Pirelli Stadium, where Burton have won five out of nine and conceded only six goals.

“It’s a tough challenge, but these are the challenges we like,” added Wagner ,whose side have to go to Norwich City for a Sky-televised game on Friday.

“We need to find answers to the question they will pose us.

“And as ever, we have to bring our identity, our strengths to the grass and make it as uncomfortable for them as we possibly can.” Kachunga, Rajiv van La Parra and Nahki Wells combined on Saturday.

“I think we rotated well and we were a threat all game, which was positive,” he said.

“It would be good to keep that up and go into the next few matches with that sort of performance.

“We have been working on how we link together.

“Our first goal was a quality finish from Elias and the second was because of good work from Nahki.”

England Under 21 international Palmer added: “It was a great win and an important one.

“We are going to have to work hard to repeat that.”

Wagner says defence will be just as important as attack if Town are to beat Burton.

The head coach has his sights set on a first clean sheet in seven games.

“We need to come to our strongest level and have exactly the right working attitude,” said Wagner.

“Of course I want us to be offensively strong and score goals in order to have a chance of winning.

“But I have the feeling that if we are to win this match, it will be more by our defending.”

With that trip to Norwich also on the schedule, Wagner hasn’t ruled out team changes.

Martin Cranie is among those pushing for a starting shirt after losing out to Tommy Smith against Bristol City.

“Three games in seven days means we have to think about rotation,” explained the boss.

“We have competition for places and we want to keep the side as fresh and healthy as we can.”

Town are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since Rotherham United (September 27) and Ipswich Town ((October 1) were seen off.

Kachunga has now scored seven goals for the season and Wells four.

Town aim to even up their Professional Development League record with a home win over Bolton Wanderers at PPG Canalside today (12.00).

Frankie Bunn’s side have won six, drawn won and lost seven of their league matches so far.

Town Under 18s drew 0-0 with Birmingham City at Canalside.

They face AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday (2.30).