Sheffield Wednesday (H) Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
Can Carlos Corberán’s side make it two wins a row against a Tony Pulis led Sheffield Wednesday? Ben Woodcock from fan podcast The Wednesday Week is here to preview our fellow Yorkshire opponents.
The game against QPR on Saturday has to be the least chaotic game we’ve seen from Town this season. A 2-0 home win, where the team defended relatively well and both goals were great and fit within the manager’s philosophy, lovely. The left side of Huddersfield is certainly an area of strength, Josh Koroma and Harry Toffolo have seven goals and seven assists combined so far this season between them and both were on target at the weekend as they wreaked havoc in the first half.
The Terriers will need that left side to be firing on all cylinders when Sheffield Wednesday come to town on Tuesday. The Owls, who are yet to win under new manager Tony Pulis since he replaced Garry Monk in mid November, have only conceded two goals in one match since he took over - which was the 2-1 defeat to league leaders Norwich at the weekend. Despite performing admirably defensively, Wednesday have only scored three goals since Pulis took charge and remain bottom of the table on nine points.
Huddersfield, who haven’t won two games in a row since their away victory at Swansea and home win against Derby in October will see this as a great opportunity to get another three points. Wednesday have only won once on the road this season in a 1-0 win at Birmingham and that was when Garry Monk was in charge, yet Town don’t have a great recent record against The Owls, only winning one in their last five against them and no surprises for guessing which game that was.
With so much going on at Sheffield Wednesday since The Terriers last played them, we wanted to find out more about what is happening at Hillsborough. So, we spoke to Ben Woodcock from fan podcast, The Wednesday Week, to give the inside scoop.
Sheffield Wednesday have only scored three goals since Pulis took charge and remain bottom of the table on nine points. Photo source: Sheffield Wednesday
What have you made of your season so far?
It’s been a slow start for sure. Points deduction or not it hasn’t been good enough overall, hence why we’re still sat bottom of the table, 4 points adrift of safety. There’s been encouraging signs but not enough consistency just yet.
What are your general expectations for the rest of the season now that we’re well underway?
The first aim at the moment has to be secure Championship status which we are more than capable of achieving. Anything else on top of that this season has to be considered a bonus.
What went wrong for Garry Monk and what do you make of Tony Pulis’ appointment and results so far?
A slow start. Dropping points from winning positions and a lack of guile going forward. Three defeats on the bounce to Luton, Rotherham and Wycombe ultimately cost Monk his job. It’s been a steady start under Pulis, not exciting by any means but we have generally been more defensively sound. Although that has come at a cost going forward, we’ve created so very little under Pulis so far. However, we’ve gone down to 10 men early on against Preston which cost us, the same can be said against Reading. We deserved at least a point against Norwich at the weekend so the signs are good.
Adam Reach got an assist at the weekend against Norwich and has played every game under Tony Pulis. Photo source: Sheffield Wednesday
Which player from your current squad do you think will be one to watch this season?
Everyone knows about the quality of Barry Bannan, the fact he’s one to watch goes without saying. Massimo Luongo has also been key alongside Bannan this season, very strong, very combative. Then there’s Dominic Iorfa who has been a rock at the back. You can highlight a few players in the squad as people to look out for which suggests we should have enough to steer clear of relegation.
What are you expecting from the game against Huddersfield?
I wouldn’t bank on it being a high scoring game, we’ll try and frustrate and hit on the break if previous games are anything to go by. One goal for either team could quite possibly be enough to win it.
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
Under Tony Pulis, Adam Reach’s deliveries have drastically improved and he seems to have got some confidence back. So, his balls into the box to Josh Windass and Callum Paterson could be a threat.
Here they are, the lads. Photo source: HTAFC
What are Wednesday’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
Individual mistakes are what have been costing us lately. We keep a good shape and can defend for our lives but momentary lapses in concentration can be our downfall.
What are your expectations for Huddersfield Town this season?
I think it’s a transition season for you, a new manager needs time to implement his own ideas, especially if he’s going to be around long term which is the impression I get. A mid-table finish should be considered a good season, then a push towards the playoffs next season should be the aim.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
I’m going to go for 1-1.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Wednesday? Let us know in the comments!
Our Predictions:
Brady: 1-1.
Kosi: 1-1.
Matt: 1-1.
Neil: 1-0 win for Sheffield Wednesday.
Pozza: 2-1 win for Huddersfield.
Si: 2-1 win for Sheffield Wednesday.
Scoring system: A correct score wins three points, a correct result wins a point.
