It’s good to be back in writing mode again!
Over the last few weeks I’ve been lazing with my notebooks watching several documentaries and only with a handful of typing. Work got in the way and also had a week vacation from regular life which was much needed. But that doesn’t mean football took back seat, it never will.
Even on vacation while soaking myself in the crystal-clear water of Manukan Island, Sabah, the thought of Huddersfield Town was always there. Besides, my apparel for any vacation is simple. Pack as much as jerseys as you can.
Often people asked don’t you have anything else to wear? I do, but it’s just that I feel when you’re traveling is the best ever time to promote your club. As supporters, I do believe we are acting as ambassador for our team. As the saying goes, there is no better feeling than wearing your club’s kit when you’re on the road.
A Huddersfield Town kit can often raise some eyebrows from people. I do get questions like “which team is that you’re supporting” or “is that FC Porto new kit”. Either way, it’s an opportunity for me to explain my club to the masses.
Now that I’m back to regular life, the wait for elusive win of the season continues.
We have collected one point from our last two games, a draw against Everton and home defeat to Crystal Palace. Looking back, it’s hard for me to find fault on both games. A stroke of luck wasn’t in our favour.
At Everton, we played perhaps our best game of the season against a side that we struggle last term. A huge improvement from the guys compared to our previous games. The team press relentlessly and for our reward we took a deserving lead. Just a bit of goalkeeping relapse that we allowed the home team to equalized.
Even then, we responded well in the second half. Sitting in a room of several local Toffees faithful, my heart was pounding non-stop hoping for a winning performance. But that wasn’t the case. A draw could help us a long way in terms of our relegation battle.
After the international break, we welcomed Palace at home. Again the team did everything right except finding the net. In football, if you can’t do that, then it’s only natural that you’re bound to be on the losing end. We are undone by a moment of brilliance from the one player we feared could damage to us, Wilfred Zaha.
Enough for the past, now to look forward on this coming trip against Leicester City.
On paper, it’s fair to say on paper the home team will have a certain edge in terms of overall form. However, back to back defeat for the Fox could open some avenue for us to take something here.
Latest news suggesting that Harry Maguire may sit out for this game. The England international had a busy week and there is concern that he is in needed of some rest. Only time will tell if this is true.
Another plus point is that captain Wes Morgan will also be out following his marching order against Bournemouth. Claude Puel’s side defensively haven’t been up to scratch this season. This to me feels like we’re rubbing ourselves with glee here. A bit of a positive aspect to clasp from this game.
In the end, it boils down on whether if we can find the net or not. That’s going to be the million-dollar question. But the answer that David Wagner needs to give at the moment is deciding between Steve Mounie or Laurent Depoitre. Or start both of them!
Mounie hasn’t found the net in all five Premier League which he has started. There is mounting call from critics and fans that its high time for David Wagner to give Depoitre his first start. Tactically, it must be the most judicious thing to do.
The Belgians mobility and all-rounder tenacious effort will make him a better center forward than the fox in the box Mounie. To provide him support from the wings, Wagner is expected to maintain Elias Kachunga and Rajiv Van La Parra.
Aaron Mooy will continue to marshal in the middle of the field for Huddersfield. The only prospect of offering any creative output from the midfield. Philip Billing will play alongside him, as expected to run the engine from top to bottom. Further good news, is team captain Jonathan Hogg is also back. In defense, Wagner could be opting for a three man back-line of Matias Zanka, Christopher Schindler and Terence Kongolo, flanked by Florent Hadergjonaj and Chris Löwe.
While Wagner's faith in his 3-4-3 formation is admirable there is still one glaring omission that keeps coming back to me. Alex Pritchard who brought creativity in the middle in abundance last season doesn't get the green light to start. I reckon giving him a role in a more 4-3-3 formation could ease the burden of Mooy when going forward.
Its great to see that the likes of Adama Diakhaby and Isaac Mbenza are slowly being integrate with the first team from the bench. Personally, I had hope to see them playing a more eminent role giving the fact they're young and hungry. Seems like Wagner has a more astute approach with his new signings this season.
As I mentioned earlier, this is going to be tough away nut to crack. Its hard to convince anyone that Huddersfield are slowly coming together this season when scoring goals isn't a luxury we possess at the moment. But if anyone who has paid enough attention, wouldn't rule us out from this match.
With an entire squad available apart from Ramadan Sobhi, it will be interesting how Wagner will set up the team that will take to the field at King Power Stadium. Till then, in David Wagner we trust.