Benitez is bruising Wagner’s
CLASH WITH TERRIERS IS FULL OF NORTHERN RIVALRY
NEWCASTLE United’s trip to Huddersfield Town is one of the shorter away trips for Geordie fans this season.
However, for Rafa Benitez the game offers the chance of rekindling what has turned into a bit of northern rivalry between the two clubs after clashes in the Championship and the Premier League in recent times. He stopped short of approaching the game like a derby but feels there has been a bit of aggression and bite in the clashes since relegation for United in 2016.
Newcastle finished ahead of Huddersfield in the Premier League last season and also pipped the Terriers for the title in 2017.
Benitez admits this fixture, which has resulted in two wins apiece for the sides in recent years, has a bit of familiarity about it.
The Magpies were beaten 1-0 last season at the John Smith’s Stadium but played their counter-attacking game to a tee in the Championship.
Benitez told the Chronicle: “We are talking about a team we know really well and they know us really well too because of the last couple of seasons.
“We have played games in the Championship and the Premier League together.
“Teams who are in the second half of the table with us are always very close.
“Huddersfield are a team who work really hard and a team who are also aggressive.
“They can regain the ball and create things but they can also make mistakes because of the risks they take.
“That is why they are capable of going to Wolves and winning but also losing at home to Brighton or they can lose 5-0 to the top sides.
“When I say they are aggressive I also mean offensive tactically but they also concede.
“They can defend and be aggressive too and when they gain control of games they make it tough so it will be difficult for sure.”
Benitez could well tell his side to sit back again this weekend and even invite David Wagner’s side on.
The Toon boss also believes the game could boil down to one small error.
He added: “We know each other so well.
“That means that little adjustments can make the difference or a corner or a second ball can make the difference.
“We have to be ready for that and not make little mistakes.
“If they make little mistakes we must be ready to take advantage of that.”
Wagner’s background is an intriguing one after spending part of his coaching career at Borussia Dortmund working with Jurgen Klopp.
The Terriers are not afraid to emulate Dortmund’s high press and