Team for Huddersfield

[Mackenzie]

It looks like we're all finished on transfer deadline day, so here is my wild stab at a team to play against the Terriers:

Stockdale

Bruno-Duffy-Dunk-Pocognoli

Knockaert-Stephens-Kayal-Murphy

Murray-Hemed​

Subs: Walton, Tomori, Goldson, March, Sidwell, Norwood, Akpom.


Akpom on the bench as he's only just arrived, Baldock won't probably be risked now we've got Chubby. Kayal and Stephens reunited in the middle, Kayal links well with his best mate Tomer. The only real headache was on the left wing. March has been hit and miss when starting but has done well off the bench, Skalak has dipped a bit, the assists have dried up for now. It left me with Murphy who is a pretty consistent 6 or 7 out of 10 every week with the option of bringing on Solly if we need to push on.

Big game this, we'll have to play at our best to get something.

 

[Nixonator]

Think we will see Skalak on the left again, otherwise as i'm expecting.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Yes, agree with that team although I expect Skalak to start instead of Murphy.

 

[Marshy]

I would be tempted to start Akpom if Baldock is iffy.

 

[Prince Monolulu]

Probably Skalak, needs to get a match bonus to pay for his new wheels. I'd have Murphy starting though.

 

[Sheebo]

Hemed & Murray really lacks pace - I'd prefer Akpom to have a run out if Baldock isn't fit.

 

[portslade seagull]

Problem is Murrray and Hemed cannot operate together. Give Akpom the No10 role

 

[Mackenzie]

I would be tempted to start Akpom if Baldock is iffy.

Hemed & Murray really lacks pace - I'd prefer Akpom to have a run out if Baldock isn't fit.

I'm sure we'll see Akpom at some stage on Thursday, but I have a feeling that Hughton will go with the tried and tested at least to begin with.

 

[clippedgull]

I would be tempted to start Akpom if Baldock is iffy.

Agree. Baldock won't start even if he is passed fit, will probably need to get up to match fitness.

 

[Machiavelli]

------------------- Stockdale -------------------
Bruno ---- Duffy ----- Dunk ---- Pocognoli
Knockaert -- Kayal -- Stephens -- Skalak
----------- Hemed --------- Murray -----------

Subs: Walton, Tomori, Goldson, Sidwell/Norwood, Murphy, March, Akpom

I'd rather March started instead of Skalak, but suspect Skalak will start for dead balls and defensive security. At the very least, we want to avoid a defeat. We also need to think about Brentford, when Baldock might be available to play some part.

 

[Wilko]

Problem is Murrray and Hemed cannot operate together.

Is this not a bit of myth? 1-0 down vs Brum, bring on Hemed for Baldock. 1-0 down Vs Fulham, bring on Hemed for Baldock. I am sure you do not need me to tell you the outcome in both these games.

 

[Machiavelli]

Murray and Hemed did alright against
And, as others have said, Akpom will be eased in. Not only is he not familiar with our players, system, etc, he's just coming back from a three/four month injury

 

[clippedgull]

Baldock is out anyway (Argus) Just saw it on another thread.

 

[Marshy]

I'm sure we'll see Akpom at some stage on Thursday, but I have a feeling that Hughton will go with the tried and tested at least to begin with.

Think you are probably right, either way at least we have some options again

 

[Biscuit]

Problem is Murrray and Hemed cannot operate together. Give Akpom the No10 role

Yes they can, and I think they will. With Jiri on the left,

Skalak offers us something from set pieces, which could be our best shot away at Hudds. Good deliveries for Murray, Hemed, Dunk and Duffy to challenge for. Who'd like to stop that lot? Scary!

If it isn't working, bring on Akpom and March to run at them,

 

[dangull]

Problem is Murrray and Hemed cannot operate together. Give Akpom the No10 role

I'm pretty sure they have played together at some point in the season with successful results. May just need a bit of tweaking of tactics.

 

[Mackenzie]

Think you are probably right, either way at least we have some options again

It's great seeing a couple of players on the bench who can come on and worry the opposition with a bit of pace and trickery. Having Bruno back is massive for us, most teams seem to want to double up on Knockaert which allows Bruno that extra bit of space to play.

 

[sparkie]

Stockdale

Bruno
Duffy
Dunk
Pocognoli

Knockaert
Kayal
Stephens
Murphy

Murray
Akpom

Subs
Walton
Tomori
Goldson
Norwood
March
Hemed
Skalak

 

[BensGrandad]

Stockdale
Bruno...Duffy...Dunk....Pocognoli
Knockaert......Norwood.....Stephens....March
Akpom....Murray.
​

Subs: Walton Goldson Tomori, Sidwell, Kayal, Skalak, Hemed


I do however expect CH to start with Murray and Hemed and have Akpom on the bench.

 

[junior]

There is no way Akpom will start, away from home, a few days after joining, after a long injury layoff, and when Hemel & Murray have being doing OK together. I'm sure he'll be on the bench and I think over the next few games that is where he is going to have to earn his starting place from.

Skalak on the left for me away from home. He's been out of form for a while but CH has kept the faith with him and has already shown this season that he will (quite rightly) allow players to play their way back into form, a la Bong & Baldock.