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

*A note to people clicking through from NewsNow * Some technical gremlins meant this article didn’t get picked up by NewsNow until half one despite it being published at 9am. Feel free to read if you like but it’s obviously out of date now.

Huddersfield Town won the FA Cup in 1922, beating Burnley along the way to lifting the cup. So, among the psychotically optimistic, there is a sense of history repeating itself today when the Terriers take on Burnley at Turf Moor. Realistically, Town’s chances of winning the cup are microscopic but they have a reasonable chance of at least progressing today against a covid-depleted Burnley team that have a recent track record of poor FA Cup performances.

Predicting the team for cup games is a hiding to nothing, as despite Carlos’ claims of respecting the competition, his previous approach has been to make wholesale changes to rest his key players for the league. This season sees the fixtures spread out more kindly for Town, particularly after miraculously getting through the festive period without a single game being postponed, so it’s possible we’ll see a few regular starters today. Here’s how I think we’ll line up.

Goalkeeper: Ryan Schofield

Previous struggles mean that Schofield has some work to do to win over fans that doubt his potential, but Schofield will surely deserve a chance in the cup to show that he has improved since his last time in the spotlight. Nicholls’ fine performances have meant we’ve not had to worry about Schofield but today will hopefully see him given a chance to show he’s improved in those areas he’s previously struggled. Namely: dominating his area, decision making when passing out and avoiding standing behind the goal line. Burnley are notorious for being a physical team that like to lump it into the box, so there should be plenty of opportunity for Schofield to show he can stand up to this kind of pressure.

Defence: Pearson, Lees, Sarr

Not only is the lineup hard to predict, but the shape is too. Carlos has flitted between 3-4-3, 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 in recent weeks so the formation could be any of these. I think that Calros will opt for a back three, to give the side a bit of aerial strength and defensive solidity. 

Lees will hopefully now be recovered from his concussion and be available for selection, Pearson has recently been in fine form and brings leadership to the team and Naby Sarr… well, selecting him gives Colwill a rest. Despite being a natural left footer, Sarr has looked a bit of a liability on the left side of a three at times this season, regularly struggling with position, jumping into tackles and being easily outpaced. Given his contract runs out in the summer and he’s currently not getting many minutes due to Colwill’s unquestionable superiority, this may be his chance to show he should be given a new deal.

Midfield: Pipa, Holmes, Rusell, O’Brien, Ruffels

With Pipa recently returning to full fitness, this game represents a good opportunity to help get some sharpness back. This Town team is different to the one he last regularly played with, so he’ll need to get used to playing alongside new teammates and different formations. His natural attacking instincts should be better suited to wingback play and his tendency to drift infield could create some problems for Burnley.

Duane Holmes has had a great few weeks lately, far exceeding the performance levels that left many fans underwhelmed by his return. His flexibility means he helps facilitate Carlos’ tactical tweaks mid-game too. So I’m predicting he’ll play as the more advanced of the midfield three but he could just as easily pop up on either wing or deeper in midfield.

I’ve been hoping to see more of Jon Russell since his recent promotion from the B Team to the first team bench. Despite regularly featuring among the substitutes, he’s found his opportunities limited. Today seems like a good time to throw him in and see how he does. Playing O’Brien and Holmes alongside him means there is valuable experience to shepherd him through too, rather than throwing him into the deep end with a load of kids like we’ve seen in previous cup games.

Forwards: Koroma, Campbell

Jordan Rhodes recent return to form has meant Campbell has had fewer minutes but this feels like his sort of game. Rhodes is a clinical finisher but not a grafter so I suspect he’ll be kept on the bench to come on if we need to chase the game. Instead Campebll will lead the line and will be his usual busy self, closing down Burnley and working hard for the team.

I was expecting this to be a breakout year for Koroma. Last season he was superb when he was fit but a significant injury absence meant he’s not yet performed consistently for a full season at this level. If anything, he’s gone backwards this season and hasn’t been able to cement a regular starting slot, only completing 90 minutes in six of his 24 league appearances. I think his pace and ability to carry the ball forwards on the break will mean he’s given the job of being the second striker.  

An unrelated grumble about the kickoff time and lack of official streams

Despite this game being moved to a 12.30pm kickoff there is no legitimate way for residents of Huddersfield or Burnley to watch the game via a stream. Those not physically attending the game will be forced into listening on the radio or exploring the murky world of illegal streams. 

It seems bonkers to me that there isn’t a way for fans in the UK to give the FA and the clubs playing their money to watch this game online. Yet, if you live in Berundi or Botswana you can easily tune into the game on TV. The Town fans based in Benin or Berlize can also watch the game from their living room too, genuinely. Yet people in Brighouse or Birkby aren’t given the chance. 

I understand the fear that legal streams might discourage in-person attendance at games but anyone that seriously would prefer to watch games on TV to being in the stadium isn’t going to go to games anyway. It’s just punishing people that don’t have the ability to get to the game but still want a way to watch. 

Anyway, I’ll get off my soap box.