Middlesbrough (H) Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
Former manager Neil Warnock returns to the John Smith’s with his high-flying Middlesbrough. Phil Spencer from Bonkers For Boro gives us the inside scoop on the Teesside side and what Town can get from the game.
The Corberán novelty factor seems to have worn off. That’s not a criticism of the Spanish manager, more the harsh reality setting in that Huddersfield’s squad is going to struggle to stand the rigours of a 46 game Championship season.
Yet something we mentioned on the podcast this week is that given there is a match every three or four days at the moment and given that in the Wycombe match the game plan wasn’t working, why only the two substitutes? Only Danny Ward and Richard Stearman came on and in a season where you can now bring on five substitutes in a game.
We looked previously at which players from the team could benefit from this new rule, but Carlos seems reluctant to change things at the moment during matches. Is that due to the subs not being the same quality? Is he trusting the players who are already on the pitch to make the breakthrough? Or have they not earned his trust yet? Chances are that it’s probably a mixture of all three.
As dire as game as the Wycombe match was, it’s a point earned and a clean sheet gained. To use a classic phrase from the manager who will be in the opposition dugout this weekend, take the positives out of that. That manager is, of course, Neil Warnock and the Championship expert is displaying his expertise in this division by steering this Middlesbrough side to seventh in the table with a 3-0 win over Derby in midweek.
The form table doesn’t look good for Huddersfield but can they pick up a win now they’re back at home? We spoke to Phil Spencer from fan channel Bonkers For Boro to learn more about what game to expect this weekend.
Boro Manager Neil Warnock has only lost one game away from home this season. Photo source: Middlesbrough
What a great start to the season! Were you expecting this and what are you expecting from the game against Huddersfield?
I don’t think many supporters would have predicted this start to the season, but it’s a pleasant surprise. After picking up some big results I think confidence will be very high against Huddersfield with fans expecting a positive result.
What are your general expectations for the season now that we’re a quarter of the way through?
If anyone had said at the start of the season that they were targeting a top-six spot, I think they were lying! Based on current results I think that will be the aim, but in reality, any finish in the top 10 will be seen as a success.
It failed with Woodgate but seems to be working with Warnock. What do you think should be the long-term aim for this team and squad going forward?
Middlesbrough are at the start of a big rebuilding job, and that will take several years to get it where they want. The long-term aim will be to build a squad filled with young talent who can help the club to fulfil its potential at the top of the Championship and in the Premier League.
That will take a few years realistically but what we’re seeing is a manager grinding out good results in the process.
Patrick Roberts was a shrewd signing according to Phil from Bonkers For Boro. Photo source: Middlesbrough
Neil Warnock just seems to understand The Championship, so it’s not surprising that he’s doing a good job. Can you tell us a little bit more about what he’s done at Boro to change things?
He’s basically ensured that Middlesbrough operates as a strong unit, rather than as individuals.
With a solid and organised defence, you’re going to win more games than you lose and that means you’ll immediately be looking towards the top half. After last season his experienced was really needed and it’s great to see it paying off.
Which player from your current squad do you think will be one to watch this season?
The beauty of this Neil Warnock squad is that there is a genuine team mentality with no real standout player. You could argue that Paddy McNair, Anfernee Dijksteel and Jonny Howson have been the top performers, but in truth, you could select eight or nine players in the same way. If the group can continue performing as a team then hopefully the team will continue to steadily pick up results.
The team brought in a couple of players over the transfer window, have you been impressed with the business, and have any of your new signings made a difference so far or you think will do well?
The summer business was certainly shrewd. Middlesbrough didn’t have much money to play with so getting Grant Hall on a free, and then Marcus Bettinelli and Patrick Roberts on loan were good deals to get done. While fees were paid for Sam Morsy and Chuba Akpom, both players have already shown their worth to the team and have played a big part in the club’s fortunes.
Local business Logic Insurance will have their logo on Town’s shirt for the Boro game. Photo source: HTAFC
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
The main thing to be wary of is Middlesbrough’s defence. With just six goals conceded so far this term, it’s likely that this will be a key element in the outcome of the game. Huddersfield will need to pose some serious problems to a sturdy backline if they’re to get a result.
What are Middlesbrough’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
Until Wednesday night’s victory over Derby County, it certainly would have been the attack.
Scoring goals has been a struggle at times this season and so if the Terriers can keep things tight at the back then they stand every chance of getting a result. That is where the game will be won and lost for Huddersfield, in my opinion.
What are your expectations for Huddersfield Town this season?
After a disappointing season last term, supporters will surely be hoping for a big improvement this time around. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag so far, but with just a bit more quality in attacking areas, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Huddersfield push into the top half.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
On current form, it’s hard to look past Middlesbrough for a result. With such a strong defence it will depend on their ability to break down Huddersfield if they’re to get a result. I think it will be tight but I’ll go 1-0 to Middlesbrough.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Middlesbrough? Let us know in the comments!
Our Predictions:
Brady: 1-1.
Kosi: 1-1.
Matt: 1-1.
Neil: 2-0 win for Middlesbrough.
Pozza: 2-1 win for Middlesbrough.
Si: 2-0 win for Middlesbrough.
Scoring system: A correct score wins three points, a correct result wins a point.
