Huddersfield Town (A) Preview

Team news and fan information ahead of Saturday's trip across the Pennines

Huddersfield Town v Bolton Wanderers
npower Championship
Saturday 8 December, 2012
Kick-Off 3pm

Setting The Scene

Dougie Freedman will be hoping for a positive reaction from his side when they travel to the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday, after the Scot suffered his first defeat as Bolton boss last weekend against Ipswich Town.

Mark Davies’ stunning sixth-minute strike had given the Trotters an early lead, but two second-half goals from DJ Campbell and Michael Chopra snatched an unlikely victory for Mick McCarthy’s side, as Freedman’s unbeaten run was halted after six games.

Wanderers now take the short trip to West Yorkshire to face a Huddersfield side who have only won once in their last six games.
 
The Terriers made a promising start to life back in the second flight of English football, but manager Simon Grayson’s hopes of back-to-back promotions have taken a blow in recent weeks as his side have suffered three defeats in their last four games.

The ex-Leeds boss took charge of the then League One side in February this year after the sacking of former manager Lee Clark, and the 42-year-old guided the Terriers to the play-offs - sealing promotion at the first attempt with victory on penalties over Sheffield United at Wembley in May.

Grayson, who is entering his first full season in the role, has begun to put his stamp on the side by making a number of summer signings as Sean Scannell, Paul Dixon, Oliver Norwood, Adam Clayton, Joel Lynch, Keith Southern and Anthony Gerrard all put pen to paper.

In addition, the Terriers have secured the services of Premier League duo James Vaughan and Simon Church, while Wolves’ Adam Hammill and Leicester City’s Jermaine Beckford have also joined the club on loan.

Victory for Huddersfield could move them back into the top half of the table, while three points for the Trotters will see them leap-frog their West Yorkshire opponents.

One To Watch - Lee Novak

Town striker Lee Novak has made a superb start to the season and the former Gateshead forward currently tops the club’s goal scoring charts after finding the net four times.

The 24-year-old, who was voted the Terriers’ November Player of the Month, has also provided two assists for his team-mates and will be a constant threat leading the Huddersfield front line.

Team News

Stephen Warnock is a doubt for the Whites after the defender missed last weekend’s defeat against Ipswich Town with a toe infection.

Tyrone Mears is out of Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield. The full-back picked up his fifth booking of the season against the Tractor Boys.

Stuart Holden, David Wheater and Josh Vela (all knee) continue to progress from their respective injuries, but won't feature in this weekend's game.

Norwich loanee James Vaughan is vying to prove his fitness for the Terriers recovering from a thigh injury, but Simon Grayson will be without the suspended Keith Southern, while loan signing Jermaine Beckford has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

All Time Record


Huddersfield Wins
Draws
Bolton Wins
League
31
18
35
League Cup
0
0
3
FA Cup
0
1
5
Total
31
19
43

Man In The Middle - Eddie Ilderton

The Tyne and Wear-based official has taken charge of 15 games so far this season, issuing a total of 49 yellow cards and two red.

Fan Information

Adult, under-60 and under-16 tickets are available to purchase on the day of the game from the away turnstiles.

Fans should be aware that it is unreserved seating so large parties who want to sit together should arrive early.
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