Huddersfield Town face Burnley at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday. Both teams are doing a lot better this year than expected, so it should be a good game. Here are my predictions for the match:
Predicted lineup for the Burnley game
This game comes in the middle of Town’s hectic Christmas schedule. David Wagner is likely to have half an eye on the game against Leicester on Monday, as well as seeing who’s still fresh after playing Stoke on Tuesday this week. For this reason, I think Wagner will make a few changes to the starting eleven.
As I mentioned in the Stoke preview, Lossl, Zanka, Schindler and Mooy are the hardest players to drop so they may retain their places. I suspect Wagner would prefer to rest at least one of his centrebacks but until Hefele and Stankovic are fit again we’re a bit thin in that area.
The fullbacks are being rotated almost on a game-by-game basis, so I’d expect to see Malone and Hadergjonaj come in for Smith and Lowe. We’re likely to want to push on and attack Burnley, so these two fullbacks are capable of giving us a bit more attacking threat than Lowe and Smith.
Wagner may give Hogg a rest for this game, to keep him fresh for Monday, giving Williams a chance to come into central midfield to partner Mooy.
Collin Quaner is undroppable in his current form, he’s playing the best football of his Town career right now, and probably of his life. On the other wing, I think van La Parra might make way for Joe Lolley. Then I’ll say Ince will play number 10 again, though we could see Sabiri or Palmer come in from the cold to make an appearance.
Then Depoitre should come in to replace Mounié up front. Depoitre has been in better form lately and will be fresher as he didn’t play all of the game against Stoke.
What tactics will Town play against Burnley?
Town’s performances have really improved over recent weeks, ever since the defeat to Chelsea. This upturn has been due to playing Wagner’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and being more positive (and also because the opposition hasn’t been as fierce). It’s riskier to try to play a high-pressing and attacking system but it also makes for more entertaining football.
Against Burnley I think we’ll continue to play a similar game, trying to break down Burnley’s resolute defence with free-flowing attacking football. Burnley’s incredible success so far this season has been built upon a very solid defence, so we’ll have to work hard to create chances against them.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see Town try a few more long-range shots against Burnley, If we’re unable to get in behind them then it could be better to get shots off from distance and hope we can beat the keeper.
Featured bets
Last week my prediction for both teams to score came true. However, Löwe to score anytime and Ince to get a hat-trick both failed. Ince did break his goal drought, so it wasn’t a stupid idea. Similarly, Löwe took a freekick that missed the target but it was a good chance for him to win me some money.
Let’s see if my tips do any better this week:
0-0 draw at 6/1
The last meeting between Town and Burnley was a stalemate and it’s reasonable to think this game could be too. Both sides struggle for goals at times, and both have pretty solid defences. Obviously, I’d prefer a seven-goal thriller, but a bore draw is a more likely outcome.
Town to receive more than 3 yellow cards at 6/1
I can see this game being a battle, with neither side wanting to give an inch. This could lead to a lot of fouls and Premier League refs aren’t shy with their cards.
Town to have 3 or more corners in each half at 7/1
Burnley’s defence is strong, but I believe Town will be probing around the wings to find opportunities. Our wingers and fullbacks will try to get crosses in the box in open play, but if Burnley block them the corners will flow.
TerrierSpirit.com prediction – A hard-fought 0-0 draw
Burnley have been exceptionally good this season but Town managed to match them at Turf Moor and I think they’ll do it again on Saturday. A third draw in a row for Town would keep the league table ticking over for us and extend our unbeaten run to four games. Obviously, I hope we’ll be able to win, but I think a draw is more likely.
Your pre match summary is spot on. Although it will be a very close game, I reckon Burnley will just edge it and win 2-1. Hope I’m wrong!!
Cheers John. I hope you’re wrong too!
Why all the betting references all of a sudden? Have you got yourself a new sponsor? Is it OPIE?
Sadly I don’t have a big money sponsor on the blog. I tend to have a look at the odds before a match, so thought I’d include ones I thought looked like good value.
I’m happy to sellout for the right offer, but at the moment I’m not making any money from my betting tips.