By Corey Simpson-Pearce –
Huddersfield head to the west coast this weekend to take on Blackpool FC on Saturday 21st of January. 3:00 pm Kick-off.
Team News
The Terriers will be looking to make it three wins from their last six when they take on the Tangerines who have failed to get a win in their last five home matches.
Huddersfield are coming into the game on an uplift in form since the World Cup break, seeing them only lose twice since the league restarted six games ago.
Town will hopefully be going into this game with full confidence in themselves from their recent performances, and looking to bounce back after their hopes of a win at Hull were extinguished with a last-minute goal from striker Óscar Estupiñán to make the game 1-1.
In an unfortunate blow to the Terriers, goalkeeper Lee Nichols looks set to be sidelined for a period after Head Coach Mark Fotheringham revealed that he had surgery on his shoulder.
Youngster Nicholas Bilokapic will be between the sticks again this weekend.
It is also bad news for any Huddersfield fans that wanted to see new loanee signing Anthony Knockaert in action this weekend as he recovers from a knock that he picked up with his former club before making the switch to the Championship.
However, there is a chance for the other new man Joseph Hungbo to feature this weekend after his recent loan out from fellow Championship side Watford. It is hoped he’ll bring some great attacking quality to the side.
Blackpool FC
Blackpool have had a tough week. A 2-0 loss in the league to promotion chasers Watford was the final nail in the coffin for Head Coach Michael Appleton, who lost his job as the side went without a win in the league since November.
It means that Blackpool have been preparing for this game without a manager until last night when veteran manager Mick McCarthy took up the vacant role ahead of tomorrow’s match.
With potentially some stability being brought into the club, the players will likely be looking to impress their new manager with a big three points at their home ground to regain the trust of their fans and spur on their fight out of relegation.
One to Watch
This week my one to watch is Huddersfield Town youngster Jack Rudoni. Lively and full of flair, Mark Fotheringham has been testing him in a new position on the right of midfield.
This means Rudoni can express his flair and be direct against his opponent unlike when he plays his native position in the middle of the park.
With his tenacity and flair, he is a real danger in attacking moves and I’m sure it won’t be long until he gets his first goal in blue and white.
With four assists to his name this season and in a more advanced role he will be looking to add to his tally this weekend.
Prediction
Blackpool are struggling to find form at the moment but with a new man at the helm and re-energised players, they could cause Huddersfield some problems.
Still, I think that Huddersfield’s current form and added quality so far in the window is going to be too much for this Blackpool side and I believe that Huddersfield will edge out a narrow 2-1 win over the Tangerines on the east coast.
Hopefully, a win will spur a good run of form for Huddersfield town and they will charge themselves out of the relegation zone well before the end of the season nears.