Huddersfield Town v Cardiff City

Huddersfield Town 2 v 3 Cardiff City

Saturday 30th January

John Smiths Stadium

Kick-off 3pm

After 2 long away trips, (and 2 defeats) to Reading and Brighton, we return to the John Smiths to face Cardiff City. We have had some tough games recently and Cardiff won’t be any different, they’ll make it difficult for us. I just hope we go at them from the off and at a fast pace. We’ve also got 2 hard away games coming up against Preston and Forest so we really need to get something out of this game.

Both Hudson and Smith will be suspended following Smith’s sending off and Hudson’s accumulation of 10 yellows, however Hogg will be available after his one match suspension and Whitehead will be challenging for a place in the starting line-up. If Dempsey is fit he could play at right back in place of Smith so we may not be too depleted. No cause for panic

At the moment there seems to be a feeling of disappointment on social media regarding our lack of activity in the transfer market. There is a general consensus that we desperately need some added strength in defence, as well as the addition of another striker to provide competition for Wells. I don’t think Hudson is as bad as some make out and he has definitely improved under Wagner, but I do agree we urgently need another striker. We could have had quite a few more points if only we had someone to convert all the chances we make; mind you I suppose every team in the league could say the same.

Wagner has said there is money available but he has to be certain anyone coming in is better than what we already have, and I don’t think he will buy just for the sake of it. However we have brought in one new player to date, Karim Matmour, who made his debut as a substitute against Brighton last week so hopefully he’ll play some part tomorrow.

Cardiff have definitely underperformed this season and are currently 9th in the table and 6 points off the play offs so they will be desperate to get their season back on track. There are a few ex-players in Cardiff’s squad, namely Peltier and Pilkington who may feature, but Morrison is a doubt with a knee injury. I’ll always remember Morrison’s penalty at Wembley, what a great day that was. Both Peltier (first time around) and Pilks were also popular members of the team so should get a good reception if they play.

One of my work colleagues has said it will be 1-0 to us and we’ll score with 10 minutes to go. I don’t know if my nerves will stand that so I’m going for my usual 2-1 to us with Wells and Dempsey scoring.

Fingers crossed