Huddersfield Town face Chesterfield on Boxing Day at Home, avoiding the usual routine trip away to Carlisle!
One player looking forward to the game more than others is Jack Hunt who had a happy and productive spell on loan last season in league two with Chesterfield. Jack made 23 appearances for the Spirites before returning to Huddersfield and making his debut in the FA Cup tie at Arsenal, Hunt acknowledged ‘I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t had that spell at Chesterfield’
Chesterfield are struggling in league one this season after losing several of their promotion winning players and currently sit bottom of league one with 14 points and an against goals column of 41.
That could get worse for them today as they come up against the divisions most lethal striker in Jordan Rhodes. Fresh off four goals in the dramatic 4-4 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, Rhodes must be licking his lips at the prospect of facing the Chesterfield defence.
Alex Bruce is set to continue in defence and his likely centre back partner will be Antony Kay with skipper Peter Clarke suspended and Jamie McCombe still out on loan at Prston.
Damien Johnson and Alex Smithies remain the only injury absentees for Lee Clark’s side however he is boosted by the return of striker Alan Lee who returns after serving his 3 game suspension.
Lee Novak & Jon Parkin will give Lee fierce competition to be in the match day squad and Clark has some tough decisions to make.
Vital Quotes: Lee Clark
‘Chesterfield are a good attacking team, playing by John Sheridan’s principles like he’s always set up his teams to do.’
‘They get the ball down and attack teams, so it’s a tough game and then Carlisle always give us a tough game, home or away.
‘We’re looking forward to the period and it gives us a chance to start getting a run of points together again.’
Huddersfield Town Team News:
Peter Clarke serves a one match suspension.
Alan Lee returns from his 3 game ban.
Alex Smithies & Damien Johnson both absent through injury.
Jamie McCombe still on loan at Preston – after the mid week saga of his recall.
Player to watch: Jordan Rhodes
The in-form striker will be looking to add to his already impressive goal scoring record against a side that have shipped 41 goals this season already.
Chesterfield Team News:
Striker Jack Lester starts a 3 game suspension.
Defender Gregor Robertson will face a late fitness test.
Dwayne Mattis will be desperate for a start against his former employers and home town team.
Jordan Bowery & Tope Obadeyi pressing fro starts after featuring from the bench.
Nathan Smith is expected to have recovered from a knock but faces competition from Scott Griffiths for the Left Back berth.
Player to watch: Danny Whitaker
Chesterfield will look to Whitaker to pull the strings if they are going to get any joy going forward in this game.
Vital Quotes: John Sheridan
‘It’s a very tough game obviously and they are fancied to get out of the League. But again in the position we are in bottom of the table we have to start picking up points. So we will go there and try and a get a result.’
‘Lee Clark has got them playing good football and they are big strong and a very fit team We will go there ready for battle and try and make it as difficult for them as no doubt they will make it for us.’
Match Prediction:
Chesterfield have taken points from their last three visits to the Galpharm Stadium, I don’t expect this Terriers team to show them any festivities though. Home Win.
Huddersfield 5 – 1 Chesterfield.
Next Fixtures: Huddersfield Town
Friday 30th December – Carlisle – (H) – 19:45
just have a feeling there will be goals today!