Town will look to break their four game losing streak agaisnt Brighton and Hove Albion at the John Smith’s Stadium this weekend. Here’s the TerrierSpirit.com predictions for the game, including the likely tactics, starting XI and scoreline.
David Wagner’s tactics to beat Brighton
I think playing a fellow newly-promoted team at home gives David Wagner a chance to revert back to the typical brand of football he likes Town to play. In recent games, it’s felt like our tactics have been a reaction to the opposition but on Saturday we should play our natural game.
This means a 4-2-3-1 formation, with overlapping wingbacks, wingers taking up inside-forward positions to support the striker, and a number ten dictating play and creating chances. We’ve drifted away from some of the tactics that have made us successful in the past, so I hope to see us back to our fluent, attacking best.
The lack of chances in recent games will have caused Wagner some concerns, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Town really get forward against Brighton and try to score a few goals. This has to be balanced with keeping a solid defensive base, but I’m expecting to see a positive Town performance after having to play a more reserved type of football in recent matches.
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Predicted starting XI to play against Brighton
Goalkeeper: Lössl – Despite Town shipping a lot of goals in recent weeks he’s not been to blame. His passing out from the back has been more reserved lately, which has led to fewer errors.
Defence: Malone, Schindler, Zanka, Hadergjonaj – The centre-back pairing is quite settled but the fullbacks change almost every game. I’m guessing with my selection here, but I think the manager will want our most attacking fullbacks on the pitch.
Defensive Midfield: Mooy, Hogg – Williams had a good game against Everton last weekend, but I think he was in the team to give Hogg a break. If Mooy and Hogg are both fit and rested I’d expect them to play together. However, if Williams gets the nod I’d be quite pleased as he’s probably more of an attacking threat than Hogg.
Wingers and No 10: Ince, Palmer, Kachunga – Palmer looked rusty against Everton last weekend, but there were glimpses of what he’s capable of and why we’ve missed him. He can be the link man between attack and midfield, playing through balls into the channels and bringing other players into our attacks. Ince and Kachunga have both had dips in form lately but Kachunga is showing signs of improvement and Ince has the ability to play himself back into form.
Striker: Depoitre – I’d say it’s a coin toss between the two strikers, but I’d prefer to see the big Belgian start against Brighton. Mounié is probably more of a goal threat, but Depoitre is a harder worker. Town’s system relies on the defensive work starting high up the pitch, so Depoitre’s work-rate should be rewarded with a start.
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TerrierSpirit.com prediction: Huddersfield Town 3-1 Brighton and Hove Albion
I think we’re in for a treat in this game. Both teams like to play attacking football and both will see it as a chance to get some goals. If Town can score early then our confidence should return and it could see the floodgates open.
However, I can imagine we’ll also be open at the back if we’re attacking Brighton more, which could leave us vulnerable to breakaway goals. Particularly with the likes of Murray and Knockaert waiting to capitalise on any opportunity.
My predictions for Town’s goalscorers have been shocking all season, but I’ll speculate that Mooy, Depoitre, and Kachunga will get on the scoresheet. How’s that for optimism!
Good prediction, you pretty much called it as a game. In Wagner we trust.
Cheers. Not quite there with the scoreline or starting eleven but try e performance was exactly what I’d hoped for.