The new season starting in the EFL Championship means fans and clubs alike are waiting to get stuck in. Jan Siewert’s Huddersfield Town start their campaign back in the Championship at home against play-off finalists Derby County.
The Terriers’ first four league matches are not an easy start to the 2019/2020 campaign. Derby County, Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and Cardiff City will all be tricky. Huddersfield need to make a good start to the season. Goals will be important, something that sadly was lacking for the Terriers last season.
Jan Siewert’s Huddersfield Town Start Campaign Against Derby County
The Opposition
Derby County defeated Leeds United in the EFL Championship play-off semi-final last season. Only Aston Villa stopped Frank Lampard’s team heading back to the top flight. A change of manager has seen Lampard leave for Chelsea and Phillip Cocu was brought in.
The new Rams manager is already showing intent, being linked to several players including Krystian Bielik (according to The Sun). The Championship will be very competitive again this season. Derby one of the favourites for promotion this season.
Who Makes the Team?
Looking to get off to a fast start, who will Jan Siewart name in the starting 11?. The first name on the team sheet should be captain Christopher Schindler. The German scored the winning penalty to send the Terriers into the top flight in 2017. A regular starter last season, the German feels a responsibility to the club
Karlan Grant, the shrewd signing from Charlton Athletic for a mere £2 million, ended last season as the Terriers’ joint-top goalscorer having only joined in January. In pre-season, Grant has shown more of the talent evident when he is on the pitch.
Aaron Mooy is another vital part of the Terriers squad. The Australian has been integral since joining from Manchester City on loan back in 2016. The midfielder has made 110 appearances for the Terriers since then.
Terence Kongolo has made 47 appearances for Huddersfield and the defender will be all over the opposition in the Championship. Kongolo is not shy of making goal-saving tackles and this could be vital as Huddersfield look to mount a challenge in the Championship.
Kamil Grabara is on loan from Liverpool, he will wear the number one shirt. Seeing his performances in pre-season, the Polish keeper should be the Terrier’s first choice keeper.
Prediction
Huddersfield are unbeaten in pre-season, while Derby County are not. However, pre-season should not be taken as a given for what will happen in the match. If the Terriers can keep up their momentum, showing the football they’ve been playing over this period. The passing, the skill, will be vital.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 2-0 Derby County
