Huddersfield Town face Arsenal in a rare midweek Premier League fixture. The Terriers will hope that they can build on a disciplined performance against Manchester City last weekend, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.
Here’s my predicted tactics and team selection for the game.
The tactics
I expect David Wagner will employ similar tactics against Arsenal as he did at the weekend, in a 4-5-1 formation. The back four will be protected by three aggressive defensive midfielders, the wingers will tuck in to protect the fullbacks and the lone striker will have to work on his own for long spells.
I can see why neutral fans might not be in love with Wagner’s style of playing against top-six teams. It’s defensive minded and aimed at stopping the opposition from being able to get between the lines. We’ll likely allow Arsenal to dominate possession but will aggressively defend the penalty area, making it hard for them to get possession in dangerous areas.
Goalkeeper: Lössl
Jonas Lössl will continue in goal. He had a good game against City at the weekend and didn’t take too many risks with his kicking. There were a few targeted balls out to wingers that went out of play, but he was mostly able to pick out players in good positions with his kicks.
Defence: RB- Smith / CB – Zanka / CB – Schindler / LB – Löwe
I think Löwe will come in for Malone, giving us a bit more solidity at the back and letting Malone rest. Malone’s only finished one of his four league starts this season, which makes me think he’s not quite at peak fitness and Wagner feels Löwe is a safer pair of hands.
The centre-back pairing of Zanka and Schindler is nailed on, barring any injuries. The two have developed a good understanding and have both blossomed as the season’s progressed. Schindler in particular has had an amazing season so far.
On the other hand, Smith hasn’t been in top form lately, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Hadergjonaj came in at right-back. I’m tipping Wagner to keep the faith with Smith, particularly as Alexis Sanchez is likely to be attacking this flank. We’ll need our right-back to be in top form to keep Sanchez under control.
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Midfield: DM – Hogg / M – Williams / M – Mooy
This midfield three did a great job of screening the defence in the Man City and Manchester United home games. Hogg will sit very deep, with Mooy and Williams further forward but still closing down space and pressing the opposition midfield.
Williams did a good job of unsettling De Bruyne on Sunday, so may be deployed in a similar role against Ozil if he plays for Arsenal. He kicked De Bruyne up in the air a few times and it seemed to unsettle the Belgian, he may try the same again against Arsenal.
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Attack: RM: Quaner / ST: Depoitre / LM: Ince
Rajiv van La Parra’s red card after the final whistle in the last game means Wagner has to change things for Arsenal. Kachunga might be the most obvious choice to come in, but I hope we see Collin Quaner instead.
While Quaner is far from a conventional winger, he’s got a bit of pace, skill, and awkwardness which makes him a joy to watch. If you were being cruel you could say he plays like he’s won a competition to be on the pitch. However, that enthusiasm and eccentric style of play makes him a handful for fullbacks to play against.
Ince will keep his place. He’s started every game in the Premier League for us so far and gives a lot to the team. Sadly he’s not yet contributed a goal, and looks a bit short on confidence. Playing Arsenal at The Emirates might be the platform he needs to kickstart his season.
Depoitre could make way for Mounié, but I think that would be harsh after leading the line so well in recent games. His work rate is second to none, and he can get goals if given decent service.
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