Huddersfield are without a win in 5 games, whilst their visitors have won 5 in a row, and look to try go top of the Championship table with a 6th victory
However the Manager of the Month curse could strike the Bee’s after their gaffer won the award this week.
In any case Huddersfield are unbeaten at home under Chris Powell and are due a turn in fortunes perhaps and an old foe in Brentford could be just the catalyst to spark another unbeaten spell for the Terriers.
Powell has his injury concerns heading into the game but with a string squad and other key players returning from injury, Christmas could see Town rise up the table as opposed to the usual slump at this time of year for the Terriers.
Vital Quotes: Chris Powell
“In the main we are creating chances. We need to take them because, as we saw at Bolton, that can be the difference on the day. We need to arrest that, because we want to feel good about ourselves.
“We know how quickly it has positively changed around for us before and that`s the Championship for you. It happened at the start when I came in. We managed to change it around for the better and we need to do so again now. We really need to keep believing in all the good stuff and do our best to arrest all the individual mistakes that we`ve made to get ourselves some points on the board again.
“We`ve just focused on keeping ourselves upbeat and looking forward to the games coming up.”
“I`m happy with the home form, but obviously not as happy with the away form. Since my very first game against Middlesbrough, we haven`t lost at home; that`s something we can hold on to. Whatever opposition has come, we have managed to get a win or at minimum a draw. We need to keep that going.
“We`re good on our own patch, but on Saturday a team that is flying comes to town. We want to beat them and we know we can.”
“I think they`ve carried the momentum through from last season. They`ve carried on and got some good results, so all of a sudden they find themselves in a position they`re enjoying.
“I know Mark (Warburton); he is enjoying the moment and they`ll want to continue that. We`ve been there this season, where you`re just getting results and you want the next game to come thick and fast – they`re there at the moment. The momentum and excitement of playing in the Championship is still with them.
“We`re going to have to perform. Physically we`re going to have to get out there and be right. We`re going to play against a good side, but we`ve done it before. We saw Forest come here – one of the division`s fancied sides – and we did particularly well. We know we can do that.
“Of course over 90 minutes anything can happen, especially in this division. We have to be focused and show the desire to get a result, because we need one. We know we can get results, particularly at home, and that`s something we will believe in.”
Huddersfield Town Team News:
Joel Lynch rated 50/50 after a groin injury.
Harry Bunn, Joe Murphy are both sidelined.
There is hope that Scannell will prove his fitness.
Gerrard, Peltier, Wallace will all be hoping for a start if Lynch doesn’t make it.
Vaughan & Hammill continue their comeback from injury trail, this game may come too soon for the pair
Player to watch: Mark Hudson
Brentford have scored goals for fun recently and enjoying life in the Championship.
Town will need to have a solid base from which to build to win this game and so captain Hudson will be key for the Terriers this afternoon.
Brentford Team News:
Right-back Alan McCormack ruled out for 3 months (ankle)
Striker Scott Hogan also on the sidelines as he recovers from cruciate ligament damage.
Marcos Tebar is a doubt through illness.
Spaniard, Jota pressing claims for a starting place after netting from the bench in the last two mantches
Player to watch: Andre Gray
Top scorer and player of the Month with 8 goals
Match Facts & Stats
Head-to-Head
? Huddersfield won the last meeting 3-2 at the John Smith’s Stadium in League One in January 2012.
? Huddersfield have won three of the last four meetings, drawing one. Brentford’s last win was 3-0 at Griffin Park in League One in April 2010.
? Brentford have won only one of the last six meetings at Huddersfield. Their only win there since 2002 was a 2-0 success in League One in February 2007.
Huddersfield
? Huddersfield have lost three of their last four games, drawing the other one. Their last win was 3-0 against Nottingham Forest on 1 November.
? Huddersfield are unbeaten in their last six home games, winning three. Their last defeat at home was 2-1 against Middlesbrough on 13 September.
Brentford
? Brentford have won their last five games, scoring 14 goals and conceding five.
? Brentford have won their last two away games – 3-1 at Nottingham Forest on 5 November and 3-2 at Millwall on 8 November.
Ref Watch:
Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)
His assistants will be Simeon Lucas and Scott Oldham.
Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire) is the fourth official.
Match Prediction:
Huddersfield 4-2 Brentford
Next Fixtures:
13 Dec (A) Norwich City 3PM
