HUDDERSFIELD entertain Brighton this afternoon in what should be a good game for the neutrals.
Brighton earned a respectable point at Wolves in a dramatic 3-3 draw which leaves Gus Poyet’s side in 8th place, two positions and 3 points behind Huddersfield.
Simon Grayson will be looking for another 3 points to build on the recent run of good form as Town look to cement their place at the top end of the table.
Jermain Beckford is a doubt for the game, and Grayson will definitely be missing Norwich loanee James vaughan; he does however have a whole lot of choice for the rest of the squad with no fresh injury or suspension concerns.
I expect a tough game and ultimately a draw between these two sides is the most likely result, however I will be happy to be proved wrong if The Terriers can claim all 3 points against a well drilled passing side like Brighton
Vital Quotes: Simon Grayson
“I saw a statistic recently that said Brighton is the third best passing team in the Championship, to date. I think they are averaging nearly 400 passes in a game – and that is a lot,”
“I think we were about half way in terms of the statistic. Even though Brighton is third in terms of the passing statistic it doesn`t make them the most potent of teams. Brighton is good at retaining possession and play through its defence. We are a little bit more direct in our play.
“The players will have to be patient and the supporters will also have to be, because that`s the way they play. We have got to make sure that we make an impact on them when we have the ball because they will have large spells with it.
“Anyone that has seen them play under Gus Poyet over the last couple of years will know exactly what his philosophy is and what he is all about. He likes the ball to be played down on the deck and in the right manner and they will build from the back.’
And on Beckford’s chances of starting,/b> “He`s still a bit sore from the weekend. We took him off as a precaution because we didn`t want him getting fatigued and making the injury worse. He`ll be touch and go for the weekend, like one or two other players will be.”
Huddersfield Town Team News:
James Vaughan ruled out with thigh injury.
Jermaine Beckford fighting to be fit.
Simon Church expected to make his home debut.
Calum Woods, Anthony Gerrard, Danny Ward, Adam Hammill & oliver Norwood all hoping to be in the starting XI
Player to watch: Simon Church
Unlucky not to cap his debut with a goal, the on-loan Reading striker will be eager to impress this afternoon.
Brighton Team News:
Adam El-Abd faces a late fitness test on a hamstring strain.
Ex-England left-back Wayne Bridge is expected to be fit to return after a calf injury
Will Buckley is pressing for a starting place after scoring as a substitute last weekend.
Vicente is ruled out with a thigh injury
Player to watch: Stephen Dobbie
Signed from Premier league Swansea, the Scottish forward has plenty of experience at Championship level, including with Blackpool, he has 2 goals in his last 2 games.
Match Facts & Stats
? Brighton lost 7-1 on their last but one visit to Huddersfield.
? Both clubs have scored 58 goals against each other from 44 competitive meetings since 1922.
Ref Watch:
Simon Hooper will take charge of today’s game.
A national list referee since 2008, it will be his 16th match this season, and sixth in the second tier.
The Wiltshire whistler has shown two red cards and 33 yellows this season.
His last Town match was the 1-0 League I defeat at Oldham in November 2010.
Match Prediction:
Huddersfield 2 – 2 Brighton
Next Fixtures:
Sat 24 Nov – Charlton (A)
Tue 27 Nov – Middlesbrough (A)
