By Corey Simpson-Pearce –
Huddersfield Town take on top of the league Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, 25th February, 3 pm Kick-Off.
Overview
This week Huddersfield take on top-of-the-table Burnley in a David vs Goliath clash in the championship following their 2-1 win against Birmingham last week.
Neil Warnock has described this fixture as a “free hit” but also insisted that he will not let Burnley walk all over Huddersfield in this game, and he said that they are “going to give them a game”.
Warnock praised Burnley manager Vincent Kompany saying that he is destined for a successful career in management as he is calm and that when results don’t go Burnley’s way, he is collected and doesn’t get too overworked about bad results.
The manager added that Huddersfield will have to try and cause problems for Burnley when they have the ball because they won’t get many opportunities, but they will have to be ruthless when they do.
He also declared that he wants the team to do their best, and that’s all he expects from them from now until the end of the season.
When pressed about the relegation battle, Warnock said that he has no fear in the job as he is technically ‘retired’ and that it is now up to the players to help themselves get out of the situation they are in by giving it all they have from now until the end of the season. He believes they can do that if the fans get behind them.
Team News
Not much has changed since last week’s team news; Huddersfield are still without Matty Pearson as he recovers from an injury that he picked up a few weeks ago, and the manager insisted that he would not be taking chances on players coming into this game, and would instead save players for fixtures he believes Town have more of a chance at winning.
Matthew Lowton will be ineligible to play as he faces his parent club. However, William Boyle will return to the squad after serving his suspension for the red card he picked up against Stoke City earlier this month.
Martyn Waghorn may be lined up for a start this week if Neil Warnock uses him for his physical presence.
The league leaders are without Benson Manuel, Jay Rodriguez, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jordan Beyer as they continue working on their return from injury. Vincent Kompany has also insisted he will not rush the returns of Benson Manuel and Jay Rodriguez.
One to watch
With all eyes on Burnley and their flying campaign in the championship this season, it is only fitting that I choose a Burnley player for this week to watch.
A standout star this season for Burnley is Southampton loanee Nathan Tella.
Tella has been lighting up the championship this season, with the winger accumulating 12 goals and two assists in 30 games this season; he has been critical to Burnley’s success with his blistering speed and a keen eye for goal. After missing most of the Millwall game with an injury scare, he will be raring to get on the pitch.
Prediction
Unfortunately, I am not too hopeful for Huddersfield Town this weekend. Burnley are flying and putting together one of the best championship campaigns I have ever seen.
The Clarets haven’t been playing to the best of their ability, with injuries cropping up, but even then, with eight wins and two draws in their last ten games, they look unbeatable.
However, I believe Huddersfield won’t make it easy for them; therefore, I predict Burnley will walk away with a 1-0 win.