Huddersfield Town play Bristol City this lunchtime in a game that isn’t likely to make a huge difference to Town’s season one way or another (sorry to those that like a hit of prematch hype). There’s a chance for Town to finish third rather than fourth if our result is better than Nottingham Forest’s but that doesn’t count for much as we don’t know which teams will finish fifth or sixth. Even if we did, I don’t think it matters who we play in the semis, they’re all good but none are teams that Town should fear.
Carlos has a few injury concerns going into the game, a few players due a rest and others that will want to impress in the hopes they can get a game in the playoffs. Picking the lineup is a fool’s errand given it’s a dead rubber and they’re are likely to be several changes. I’m exactly that fool though, so here’s my predicted lineup.
Goalkeeper: Lee Nicholls
Our player of the season will be hoping for a quiet afternoon and a final league clean sheet before the serious business starts next weekend. Given he’s already been a hero for us this season, I’ll feel very confident of him doing something spectacular if we get to penalties in the playoffs. Until then, I’m sure he’ll be desperate to not concede in this game after sloppy late goals in our last two games.
Defence: Pipa, Turton, Lees, Sarr, Toffolo
I couldn’t decide which right back would play so I’m guessing it’ll be both. Turton can slot in on the right side of central defence and allow Pipa to bomb forward.
Lees might have been due a rest in this game but Colwill is an injury doubt which means we’ll most likely stick with Lees for continuity and play Sarr as the left sided central defender. A few weeks ago I’d have had major concerns about Sarr starting but he’s been excellent lately and I’d be happy to see him in what could be his final Town appearance.
Toffolo is another that is due a rest but he’s in such red hot form and is so capable of playing endless consecutive games I think he’ll start. It’s harsh on Ruffels, who has deserved more starts than he has had this season but if Toffolo wants to play then he should play.
Midfield: High, Russell, Eiting
The midfield is the area where there are a few concerns but, on the other hand, there are chances for fringe players to impress. Lewis O’Brien is definitely out of this game and I would like to see Hogg rested given his past injuries and advanced age. So that leaves Russell of the regular midfield trio with Eiting and High playing either side of him.
I thought Scott High was much improved in his performance last weekend. It was far from perfect, particularly defensively, but he did look a handful when he got forward. He’s not lightning fast but he has a burst of speed that can take defenders by surprise.
I’ve been consistently frustrated by the lack of Carel Eiting action since his return in January. Maybe it’s fitness or form but Calros hasn’t fancied him. It seems unlikely he’ll feature much in the playoffs but hopefully he’ll get a run out today. While he’s not the most mobile player and can drift out of games, he’s probably the best passer of the ball in the squad and adds class to our build up play.
Forwards: Anjorin, Rhodes
After finally producing the goods in his second half sub appearance last weekend, most Town fans are calling for Tino Anjorin to get a start today. The hope being that we’ve got a secret weapon that is just coming into form in time for the playoffs. Of course, a decent half an hour against Coventry isn’t enough to confirm he’s the next Emile Smith Rowe but another good game today and he could force his way into Carlos’ thinking next weekend.
The main striking role is tough to predict. It’s Ward’s if he’s fit but Calros cited his name among the injury doubts. If there’s any concern then he should be wrapped in cotton wool until next weekend. But if he is declared fit then he needs the minutes to pick up match sharpness.
I suspect Rhodes will be started to avoid risking aggravating Ward’s injury further and to keep Rhodes in tune in case we need him for the playoffs.
March prediction: Town 2-0 Bristol City
Carlos was in a relaxed and happy mood in his prematch press conference, telling anecdotes and cracking the odd smile. I suspect the chilled mood will have spread to the squad too. Not complacent but able to play without undue pressure and with the freedom to express themselves.
So I think Town will make this another straightforward, no fuss, victory. Bristol City aren’t a bad side but Town are at home, there will be a party atmosphere in the stands and our players will want to impress their boss to stake their claim for a starting place next weekend.
We need Sorba Thomas for the playoffs.It seems to have gone quiet regarding his injury.This may be a tactic Carlos is adopting to keep the opposition guessing.We need Lewis O’Brien firing on all cylinders for the playoffs and again Carlos is keeping the opposition guessing because personally I think he is just being rested.Danny Ward is another one with a question mark over his fitness but again I think he is just being rested.I would give Harry Toffolo a limited role today in preparation for the playoffs and i would be careful with Lee Nichols. UTT
With so many options and different thoughts of which team to select for the final game Is for me not going to be easy for CC will want to finish on a high with no more injuries . I have confidence he will get it right