Predicted Huddersfield Town XI to take on Barnsley in the FA Cup

Huddersfield Town take on Barnsley in the FA Cup this afternoon. Town’s recent history in the cups has been shocking, so even getting into the fourth round has been an achievement but given Barnsley’s grim recent form and Town’s current unbeaten run, today represents a very good opportunity to progress even further in the cup.

As usual, Carlos Corberan has made all the right noises in the build up to the game about respecting the competition and picking a strong side. But we know from history that we can most likely ignore that and expect to see a much changed team this afternoon from the one that played against Derby in midweek. At least Town’s squad this season is big enough to have quality backup in the majority of areas on the pitch and we should still field a decent team.

Here’s how I think we’ll line up.

Goalkeeper: Jamal Blackman

Carlos has spoiled the fun of guessing the goalkeeper as he confirmed in his press conference that our new backup keeper will be given his first start of his Town career today. Nicholls must be the clear first choice in the pecking order but at least Blackman will have some competitive game time, which is more than can be said for Jason Leutwiller, last January’s backup goalie signing. Blackman has experience at this level and has the physical presence of a decent keeper. I’ll be curious to see how he copes with playing out from the back, distributing in general and if he’s able to calm the game down like Nicholls can. We’ve benefitted so much from Nicholl’s leadership from between the sticks this season it leaves big shoes for Blackman to fill.

Defence: Pipa, Pearson, Sarr, Ruffels

Pipa isn’t yet an automatic selection in the league but is approaching full fitness and will most likely be given the chance to play today to continue his recovery from long-term injury. Matty Pearson was subbed at half time against Derby so will be fresher than Lees and therefore the obvious choice to keep a bit of continuity at the back. 

Naby Sarr could be making one of his final appearances in a Town shirt this afternoon. His contract is up in the summer, we have promising defenders returning from loan and his performances have been erratic at best this season. I’ve enjoyed those occasional games where it all clicks for Sarr and he looks superb but there have been far too many off games, where he misplaces simple passes and switches off at key moments. 

Josh Ruffels is unlucky to have had so few opportunities this season despite looking fine when he’s been given brief chances. Today will be his opportunity to show he’s not just an understudy to Toffolo and can offer something to the team himself. If my prediction of Sarr starting is true then he’ll have to make sure he doesn’t leave the left flank exposed but will also be expected to push up and support attacks. Toffolo got this balance badly wrong against Reading the other week so Ruffels will need to make the right choices, particularly if we try to really go after Barnsley and attack with numbers. 

Midfield: Rowe, Eiting, Russell, Holmes

I like the look of Aaron Rowe but injury has meant he’s missed half of this season. He’s played minutes in the B Team recently though and should be fit enough to start this game. He has lightning pace and fairly decent skills on the ball too. I think improving his final ball could propel him from being a decent prospect to pushing his way forward to become a potential starter in the league.

Carel Eiting was an unexpected inclusion on the bench against Derby and even more of a surprise when he was handed 45 minutes in the second half. He looked rusty and out of touch in the early stages of the half but grew into the game. I’m delighted to see him back and hope he will provide our midfield with the control and passing ability we’ve been missing since he left.

There were good and bad bits of Russell’s performance against Burnley in the last round of the cup. He showed good awareness and launched some eye-catching long balls forward to the wingers but he also looked lacking in pace and wanted too much time on the ball. He’s still a young prospect though so it would be too much to expect him to be flawless in his first start for Town. I’m hopeful we’ll see more of him in the deep-lying midfielder role today as he could be the long-term successor to Jonathan Hogg if he is good enough.

There are usually a few first team regulars that play in cup games to have a bit of continuity. With Holmes missing games recently due to self-isolating he will be carrying less fatigue and therefore be less in need of a rest. He’s also growing in his influence on this team and will add a bit of experience and leadership on the pitch. While his goal against Derby was a bit lucky, he is consistently a goal threat whether he plays through the middle or out wide.

Attack: Koroma, Rhodes

I can’t work out Josh Koroma this season, in one moment he looks awesome and the key player but in others he looks a bit hopeless and gives the ball away every time he gets it. We know from past performances that he has quality but his next step is to produce it consistently. Perhaps he had his head turned during the January window and lost focus but he’s now with us at least until the summer and it’s in everyone’s interests for him to recapture his best form.

I was delighted to see Jordan Rhodes open his account for his second spell at Town on Wednesday night. The beaming smile on his face after scoring proved how much he wanted that goal and possibly how much not scoring was bothering him. Now the monkey is off his back he will most likely start today’s game he has an opportunity to show what he can do. 

I’ve predicted something like a 4-4-2 system today but it may be more like 4-5-1 as I doubt Ward or Campbell will start alongside Rhodes. I don’t see Jordan Rhodes as a lone striker type of player so it will be important that he has someone close to him to link up and support him. Ward and Campbell will happily run the channels but Rhodes is at his best when he’s allowed to stay central and looks for opportunities to get on the end of chances. So he needs another player at the top end of the field to graft alongside him. He scored so many goals in his first spell because he usually had Lee Novak or Alan Lee doing the dirty work for him.