Rotherham Preview (A)
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
The Terriers make the short trip to South Yorkshire to play Rotherham United looking to make it two wins a row, but can The Millers stop them? Matt from the Rotherham United Podcast tells us what’s in store.
What a difference a win makes. Frazier Campbell’s exquisite scissor kick to give Town a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest has certainly lifted the mood among the fanbase. After all, if Huddersfield finish the weekend with a win, play well and are second-highest for expected goals with 2.91 then there’s not much to complain about.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though as another matchday approaches in what could be a tricky test for The Terriers. Rotherham proves tough opposition, having picked up four points in their first three games as they adjust to life back in the Championship.
The South Yorkshire side drew 1-1 in their previous game with Birmingham City, a match that saw two late penalties for both sides end in a stalemate. Not that home advantage seems to matter in matches behind closed doors, but Rotherham have yet to win at the AESSEAL New York Stadium this season, losing 1-0 to Millwall in the league.
And He Takes That Chance chatted to Matt from the Rotherham United Podcast to hear more about Saturday’s opponents, their boss Paul Warne and their expectations for the season.
Josh Koroma joined Rotherham on loan in January for the rest of 19/20 campaign and has made an impressive start this season for The Terriers. Photo source: Rotherham
Rotherham were promoted to the Championship after the season ended and the league was decided by an unweighted points per game basis. How did that feel as a fan, did it take away the joy of promotion?
It took it away a little, the joy of promotion is celebrating, whether an away day somewhere or a packed full house. To not be able to celebrate with the players at a game or even with our fellow fans was gutting, having said that we are still happy to back in the Championship.
How have you found life back in the Championship so far?
Pretty good, a win, draw and loss. We look decent defensively, conceding only two goals - one penalty and one huge mistake. This was an area for concern last time at this level so it is a very good start.
What are your general expectations for the season?
We are positive, we have some very good players and have brought in some seasoned Championship players like Angus MacDonald and Wes Harding.
Paul Warne is considered a Rotherham legend, says Matt from the Rotherham United Podcast. Photo source: Rotherham
Your manager Paul Warne is quite the character, can you tell our fans a little bit about him and his style?
Warney is a Rotherham Legend, having been a player, fitness coach, caretaker a few times and now full-time manager. Over his time at the club, he has six promotions, two as player, fitness coach & now manager. He is a good guy and has tried to build a squad in his mould - hard working. He ticks all the boxes of being popular with the fans, players and higher-ups as well. He doesn’t have a set style really, like to have several ways of setting up for a game.
Which player from your current squad do you think will be one to watch this season?
Difficult to say, we have some good attacking players but our defence seems to be a strong point so far. Our best defender (and probably best player) is Michael Ihiekwe. He was in the League 1 PFA Team of the Year and had an excellent season last year, he has made a mistake that cost us vs Millwall but should be is still a very good defender.
You’ve done a lot of transfer business this summer, have you been impressed with your business so far? Any players you think will do well?
Most have made a good start, Angus MacDonald has played a few games and has done well in defence, also Wes Harding at right-back has done well, and shown some good attacking intent.
Michael Ihiekwe has impressed for The Millers. Photo source: Rotherham
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
It’s difficult for us as we have played three different ways for all three league games so far, with it being a home game we would assume we would set up more attacking but that would be a guess.
What are Rotherham’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
We have only scored two goals this season and one was a penalty, this is an area of concern for us but we are hoping it's just temporary.
What are your expectations for Huddersfield Town this season?
With having a new fairly unknown manager it’s difficult to guess, would have guessed a lower mid-table finish.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
I’m going to positive and say we will improve our attacking performance and say a 2-0 win.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Rotherham? Let us know in the comments!
