Huddersfield Town head to Rotherham on Boxing Day for a Yorkshire derby and a down right scrap for points.
The Terriers have been on a poor run of results of late and performances have matched the dire results.
Rotherham come into the game fresh off a victory at Wigan, but prior to that had failed to win in 10 games.
This match will be all about heart, passion and just who wants it more and points against your rivals in the bottom half of the division are a must; as I am sure both sides will agree!
Vital Quotes: Chris Powell
“It`s a local derby and historically they are quite open affairs on Boxing Day, for whatever reason.
“We know it is all about our actions. I can talk for a long time, but really it is about action for our players now. We have work to do – we know that – and we have to go out there and do it.
“We`re going there as positively as we can, although it isn`t easy after the last two results. We need to show unity in these next two games to pull us through.
“Rotherham have slightly changed the way they`ve been playing. They`ve been quite a direct side last season and for the early part of this one too, but after bringing two or three in on loan they are marrying that with playing through the thirds. That is a recipe for a successful season and they`ve got a good win on the road last weekend.
“The New York Stadium will be jam-packed and bouncing and we`ll be ready for that. I know we`ve sold out our allocation and it will be good for them to see their team respond after a pretty poor performance in our last game.
“It`s a game that we want to start well in, because we want to come away with something from the game.”
Rotherham Team News:
Frazer Richardson (groin) & Richard Wood (knee) both returned to the squad following injury.
Kirk Broadfoot (shoulder) remains on the treatment table
Player to watch: Ben Pringle
The Winger had been a target of Huddersfield’s prior to Rotherhams promotion, he certainly can whip a good delivery for the likes of Alex Revell who has 4 goals this season
Huddersfield Town Team News:
Murray Wallace returns from Suspension.
Joel Lynch remains on the treatment table
Nahki Wells & James Vaughan both hoping for starts
Adam Hammill could be a surprise inclusion for the Terriers.
Joe Murphy still out of action so young keeper Lloyd Allinson will take his place on the bench again
Player to watch: Mark Hudson
The Captain & centre back will be key to Town setting out their stall early and keeping it tight at the back. His experience at Championship level could prove vital
Match Facts & Stats
Head-to-Head
? This is the first meeting since Huddersfield won 5-2 at Rotherham in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in November 2010.
? This is the first league meeting since Huddersfield won 3-2 at Rotherham in League One in February 2007.
? Huddersfield are unbeaten in the last 11 meetings in all competitions, winning the last five. Rotherham’s last win was 1-0 at home in the old Division Two in October 1992.
Rotherham
? Rotherham won 2-1 at Wigan on Saturday – their first win in 10 games.
? Rotherham have not won any of their last five home games, drawing three and losing two. Their last win at the New York Stadium was 2-1 against Leeds on 17 October.
Huddersfield
? Huddersfield have won only one of their last seven games. Their only win since 1 November was 2-1 against Brentford at home on 6 December.
? Huddersfield have not won any of their last six away games, losing the last four. Their last win on the road was 3-1 at Wolves on 1 October.
Ref Watch:
Referee
Mark Haywood (W.Yorkshire)
Assistants
Glen Hart (County Durham)
&
Paul Marsden (Lancashire)
Fourth Official.
Alan Clayton (Cheshire)
Match Prediction:
Rotherham 2-3 Huddersfield
Next Fixtures:
Bolton (H) 28 Dec 2014 – 15:00
Just to tell you there are roadworks around the New York Stadium – there are roadworks everywhere in Rotherham! – which is causing traffic problems