By Nathan Findlay –
Huddersfield Town Host A.F.C. Bournemouth this Tuesday in their midweek game at the John Smith’s Stadium. 5:30 pm K.O.
Team News
Huddersfield are currently 19th in the table, with a total of 44 points, putting them eight points clear of relegation. While it’s not the worst position Huddersfield could be in, it’s still not ideal due to some poor performances throughout the season that have put them in this spot.
As we fast approach the end of the season, this is going to be another game for Huddersfield that is really going to test them.
Huddersfield last game was against Rotherham which ended in a 0-0 draw. It was a relatively close game, with Huddersfield having a total of 10 shots with 5 on target compared to Rotherham’s 13 with 4 on target, but it’s rough when you consider that Town have only scored four goals in their last nine games. Something definitely needs to change and I’m sure most would welcome a new striker or two in the summer.
All in all though, not a bad result given losses to similarly placed teams such as Wycombe earlier in the season. Personally, I think that this was a good result for Huddersfield as a point on the table is certainly better than none at all.
A.F.C. Bournemouth
Bournemouth are currently 6th in the table and are really pushing for the play-offs. The Cherries are on strong form having won their last four games in a row, and I’m sure that Huddersfield isn’t going to be where they take a pit stop. Bournemouth are clearly a strong side and a team that isn’t going to be easily beaten at this point in the season.
The last time that Huddersfield and Bournemouth matched up was in mid-December where they hammered the Terriers 5-0. Bournemouth managed to get their first 3 goals within the first 20 minutes leaving Huddersfield almost defeated before the first half-hour. The Cherries then grabbed another two goals later in the game to seal their fate.
Something worth noting about that game is how Huddersfield managed to hold up several areas despite the result. The Terriers had a total of 12 shots to Bournemouth’s 13 and held 51% of the possession. As always in the end it’s goals that win games and these stats don’t excuse three goals inside 20 minutes, but they’re important stats to note nonetheless, showing that Huddersfield does have the quality to stay competitive in games up to a point.
One player to watch for Bournemouth is Dominic Solanke. The former Chelsea and Liverpool forward has scored a total of 16 goals so far this season with six assists. Despite an injury, during February this year, he has still managed to bag himself some good goals.
Pre-Match Press Conference
Huddersfield Town Manager Carlos Corberán spoke to the press ahead of the upcoming game.
When asked why he thinks it is hard for Huddersfield to score goals, he said: “I think it can be caused by dynamics and sometimes it can be the team not creating enough chances.
“We need to start having more control of the game and to take more chances.”
Predictions
This is going to be another big test for Huddersfield. As we progress through the season teams are in need of wins to help them get into positions and this is another great example. Bournemouth are in need of points to push them back into the premier league and Huddersfield who are in need of points to make sure that the gap between them and the relegation zone is increased.
Both Huddersfield and Bournemouth are dynamic in their own certain ways. But with the Cherries current form and the way they are playing, their push to make the playoffs means they don’t want anyone standing in their way, least of all a team in the bottom half of the table.
That means the Terriers are going to have to bring something different that Bournemouth won’t expect. There could be a sense that Bournemouth are going to walk over Huddersfield, following the last time they played but let’s hope that this isn’t the case and that the Terriers surprise them at the very least.