r00fie1
Well-known member
Just about a month from Christmas Day [ish] - its that time again......
After the capitulation and ultimate defeat on Tuesday [23 rd Nov 2021] Chris Wilder gave a loud and clear warning: if you dont want to play as part of a team and stick to the plan >>>> you wont play! He said "I want people who want to be here"! He said the biggest problem was Boro players [especially in the second half] who "went too individual" - trying to save the result on their own and becoming the "look at me" show. He wasnt a happy bunny and there was no doubting what he meant. Unlike previous Managers who have called out individuals - Chris Wilder said the "Team Attitude" wasnt right.
He repeated several times: "Im a team man. A team player >>>> and thats how I want my team to play". There was no ambiguity or room for prevarication. It was a poignant moment for all who wanted to listen; more so for those who chose not to hear!
It was disappointing - the lads are clearly taking on board the new training methods and style of play. But it sounds like he has plans for a big shake out before the New Year arrives....He said today [Friday 26th November] at his Media Conference, targets and plans for new arrivals in January are "already a long way down that road...". He wouldnt be drawn by a number of Journo`s. He made it quite plain: "Im not going to tell you"!!!!!! [I like this Manager - he doesnt suffer fools]
So can we make it three points today?
Lets hope so
3000+ Boro fans have paid good money to watch them at Huddersfield!
The forecast is for strong winds, sleet and snow.
Lets hope the players do as they are told - stick to the plan - be as one and send a soggy away end home - happy!
I hope you find todays offering interesting, informative - and opinionated!
Right now - its half time between West Brom and Forest. The table may be updated tomorrow - but our focus is to get the points and climb that ladder.
The Championship Table As It Stands:
Our record against the Terriers is good - but they have been in and out of the Championship and we spent a year in the Premiership. Stats are interesting, but on the day - who knows?! Huddersfield have won two, lost two and drawn one out the last five, but comfortably sitting in 8th place - three points off the Play-Offs.
English
Huddersfield Town head into Saturday's Championship encounter with Middlesbrough sitting three points adrift of the playoff places.
Meanwhile, having failed to win any of their last five fixtures, Boro have dropped down to 15th position in the standings.
© Reuters
There have been times this season when Huddersfield have looked ready to establish themselves as a top-six team, particularly having impressed during the opening weeks of the season.
However, the Terriers have not recorded back-to-back league wins since the end of August, their latest failed attempt coming on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to playoff rivals Queens Park Rangers.
Having failed to win away from home since September 14, the defeat hardly came as a surprise, but Carlos Corberan would have been frustrated to concede a goal nine minutes from time.
Huddersfield are now back down in eighth position, three points adrift of sixth-placed Stoke City, and there is extra pressure on maintaining their superb run at the John Smith's Stadium.
The Yorkshire outfit have collected 13 points from a possible 15, Corberan's side keeping clean sheets in each of their last four home fixtures.
© Reuters
Chris Wilder would have had high hopes of starting his Middlesbrough reign with at least four points ahead of home matches with Millwall and Preston North End.
However, the newly-appointed boss has quickly discovered that all is not perfect at the Riverside Stadium, a 1-1 draw being followed by a 2-1 reverse on Tuesday.
Conceding two late goals in the latter of those games could be put down to tiredness with Wilder opting against making any alterations from the weekend.
Boro's season is now at somewhat of a crossroads, the margin to the playoffs and relegation zone both standing at eight points, and he will be desperate for a reaction from his players on Saturday.
Despite possessing one of the poorer away records in the division, Middlesbrough have still collected four points from their last three games on unfamiliar territory.
Huddersfield Town Championship form:
© Reuters
Corberan will likely make a number of changes to his Huddersfield XI, including handing a recall to Sorba Thomas.
Fraizer Campbell may get the nod ahead of Danny Ward in attack, but Ademipo Odubeko is expected to remain on the substitutes' bench.
Despite passing a late fitness test on Tuesday, Duncan Watmore was off the pace and will likely drop off out of the side.
Uche Ikpeazu could be given an opportunity in the final third, as may Onel Hernandez in one of the wing-back roles.
Josh Coburn is a candidate in attack if Wilder opts asking risking Andraz Sporar, who also needed to undergo a fitness test earlier this week.
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Nicholls; Pearson, Lees, Colwill; Thomas, High, O'Brien, Toffolo; Sinani, Koroma; Campbell
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Daniels; McNair, Samba, Peltier; Jones, Crooks, Tavernier, Howson, Hernandez; Ikpeazu, Sporar
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Fact / Stat:
* Although Huddersfield Town fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR in midweek, they remain just three points shy of the top six ahead of this round as they look to inflict further pain on Middlesbrough.
* However, the Terriers’ have often lacked bite in this fixture, failing to win nine of the last ten competitive H2Hs (D3, L6) with five defeats coming ‘to nil’.
* Fans would be quick to point out that their recent defeat came away from home and that Huddersfield are much more effective on home soil.
* In fact, Huddersfield have picked up 68% of their points here and are unbeaten in each of their last five home league games (W4, D1), a run which includes an impressive four straight clean sheets ahead of this clash.
* The introduction of Chris Wilder as manager has not yet had the desired effect for Middlesbrough, who are now without a win in five straight league games (two under Wilder).
* There’s some small positives however, as Middlesbrough have recorded a higher possession total recently, while outshooting their opposition by more than a 2:1 ratio in both games under the new boss.
* Though Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four of their last five trips to the John Smiths Stadium (W2, D2), their travelling fans have not had the best days out of late.
* Just three sides have picked up fewer than Middlesbrough’s nine away points so far while they possess a mere 29% win-rate when priced up as away league outsiders (W2, D3, L2), all of which points to another tough afternoon for Boro.
Key battle: Huddersfield keeper Lee Nicholls has successfully faced 39 goal attempts without conceding across his last four home games.
Trying to create a move to beat him will be midfielder Jonny Howson, who marked his 200th Middlesbrough appearance with an assist last time out.
Hot stat: Middlesbrough have failed to win a joint-league high six games in which they took a lead this Championship season (W6, D2, L4).
[Courtesy "Flashscore": https://www.flashscore.co.uk/match/dU0MsdbC/#match-summary]
With Boro languishing in the bottom half of the table and with Chris Wilder open and honest about the need to strengthen his squad, it would be easy for the new boss to dampen expectations this term and already turn attention to next season.
But that's not in his DNA.
For Wilder, this season is still very much alive and kicking and his plan is to stay within touching distance of the top six between now and January, before adding to his squad with players who he believes can and will make a difference.
Despite only taking one point from his first two games, Wilder has seen plenty to be encouraged by and says the players have taken on his message quicker than he expected.
And if Boro do fall short this season, Wilder has no doubt his side will come back a lot stronger next term.
For the more he sees of the football club, the more Wilder says he knows he will be a success on Teesside.
"I'm here for the long term and I'll get it right," said the boss.
"The longer I'm here, the more confident I am we'll get it right. You always walk into a football club thinking what's it really like, but the more I'm here I know there's a big future for this football club."
Boro boss Chris Wilder (Image: CameraSport - Mick Walker)
Wilder is excited for the future but his immediate focus is on the here and now, and picking up his first win at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
On the whole, he's been pleased with the way his players have responded, despite not getting the results he believes they deserved against Millwall and Preston.
Boro head for the John Smith's Stadium in 15th place in the Championship but top six remains the target.
"Why not?," said Wilder.
"If we can add one or two bits and pieces to our game then yeah definitely. January is huge because of the quality we're going to bring in that suits the way we play.
"I want to win the next game. The feeling I want the players to have after a setback is the feeling I had on Tuesday - disappointment. You can reflect and think that went well and that went well but we lost a game of football.
"If you're a competitor, defeat doesn't sit easy. If you're playing a game of pool in that next room, you want to win. That's the attitude you need. In training if it's a small sided game you want to win, if it's a sprint you want to do your best. You have to maximise everything.
"If you have that inside you, which fortunately I have, you have to accept defeat but you don't enjoy it. When it goes against you, you need to take it on the chin and come roaring back."
The boss has seen promising signs.
"I thought there was a period for 25 minutes (against Preston) where they got it," said Wilder.
"We played some great stuff, even in the second half we created some fabulous chances. It's just individual moments that are key."
That's the next step - turning promise into points.
Wilder says: "We'll stick with the process, get the balance right, play well and win. If we don't play well, can we get something from the game?
"We have to keep knocking on the door, believing in what we're doing and get both penalty areas right.
"We'll learn from Tuesday night. It's the first time they've seen me annoyed, with the hump a little bit, they haven't seen the full blast yet. It's important I get the balance right and we keep morale high. I want them to play with confidence.
"I have the full blast in the locker. Timing is key. I'm a manager of human beings as well as footballers. I have to get the maximum out of the players.
"I can't be too critical at the moment because they've had a lot chucked at them and hopefully the sledgehammer doesn't come out and we're smiling and celebrating with 3,500 supporters on Saturday night.. We've sold out, which is incredible. To have that backing is a great incentive."
After the capitulation and ultimate defeat on Tuesday [23 rd Nov 2021] Chris Wilder gave a loud and clear warning: if you dont want to play as part of a team and stick to the plan >>>> you wont play! He said "I want people who want to be here"! He said the biggest problem was Boro players [especially in the second half] who "went too individual" - trying to save the result on their own and becoming the "look at me" show. He wasnt a happy bunny and there was no doubting what he meant. Unlike previous Managers who have called out individuals - Chris Wilder said the "Team Attitude" wasnt right.
He repeated several times: "Im a team man. A team player >>>> and thats how I want my team to play". There was no ambiguity or room for prevarication. It was a poignant moment for all who wanted to listen; more so for those who chose not to hear!
It was disappointing - the lads are clearly taking on board the new training methods and style of play. But it sounds like he has plans for a big shake out before the New Year arrives....He said today [Friday 26th November] at his Media Conference, targets and plans for new arrivals in January are "already a long way down that road...". He wouldnt be drawn by a number of Journo`s. He made it quite plain: "Im not going to tell you"!!!!!! [I like this Manager - he doesnt suffer fools]
So can we make it three points today?
Lets hope so
3000+ Boro fans have paid good money to watch them at Huddersfield!
The forecast is for strong winds, sleet and snow.
Lets hope the players do as they are told - stick to the plan - be as one and send a soggy away end home - happy!
I hope you find todays offering interesting, informative - and opinionated!
--------------------------------------------------------UTMB----------------------------------------------------
Right now - its half time between West Brom and Forest. The table may be updated tomorrow - but our focus is to get the points and climb that ladder.
The Championship Table As It Stands:
Our record against the Terriers is good - but they have been in and out of the Championship and we spent a year in the Premiership. Stats are interesting, but on the day - who knows?! Huddersfield have won two, lost two and drawn one out the last five, but comfortably sitting in 8th place - three points off the Play-Offs.
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MATCH PREVIEW:
Preview: Huddersfield vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team
Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between
www.sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Huddersfield Town vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team news, lineups
By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 1dHuddersfield Town head into Saturday's Championship encounter with Middlesbrough sitting three points adrift of the playoff places.
Meanwhile, having failed to win any of their last five fixtures, Boro have dropped down to 15th position in the standings.
Match preview
There have been times this season when Huddersfield have looked ready to establish themselves as a top-six team, particularly having impressed during the opening weeks of the season.
However, the Terriers have not recorded back-to-back league wins since the end of August, their latest failed attempt coming on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to playoff rivals Queens Park Rangers.
Having failed to win away from home since September 14, the defeat hardly came as a surprise, but Carlos Corberan would have been frustrated to concede a goal nine minutes from time.
Huddersfield are now back down in eighth position, three points adrift of sixth-placed Stoke City, and there is extra pressure on maintaining their superb run at the John Smith's Stadium.
The Yorkshire outfit have collected 13 points from a possible 15, Corberan's side keeping clean sheets in each of their last four home fixtures.
Chris Wilder would have had high hopes of starting his Middlesbrough reign with at least four points ahead of home matches with Millwall and Preston North End.
However, the newly-appointed boss has quickly discovered that all is not perfect at the Riverside Stadium, a 1-1 draw being followed by a 2-1 reverse on Tuesday.
Conceding two late goals in the latter of those games could be put down to tiredness with Wilder opting against making any alterations from the weekend.
Boro's season is now at somewhat of a crossroads, the margin to the playoffs and relegation zone both standing at eight points, and he will be desperate for a reaction from his players on Saturday.
Despite possessing one of the poorer away records in the division, Middlesbrough have still collected four points from their last three games on unfamiliar territory.
Huddersfield Town Championship form:
- L
- W
- D
- L
- W
- L
- W
- L
- L
- D
- D
- L
Team News
Corberan will likely make a number of changes to his Huddersfield XI, including handing a recall to Sorba Thomas.
Fraizer Campbell may get the nod ahead of Danny Ward in attack, but Ademipo Odubeko is expected to remain on the substitutes' bench.
Despite passing a late fitness test on Tuesday, Duncan Watmore was off the pace and will likely drop off out of the side.
Uche Ikpeazu could be given an opportunity in the final third, as may Onel Hernandez in one of the wing-back roles.
Josh Coburn is a candidate in attack if Wilder opts asking risking Andraz Sporar, who also needed to undergo a fitness test earlier this week.
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Nicholls; Pearson, Lees, Colwill; Thomas, High, O'Brien, Toffolo; Sinani, Koroma; Campbell
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Daniels; McNair, Samba, Peltier; Jones, Crooks, Tavernier, Howson, Hernandez; Ikpeazu, Sporar
We say: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Middlesbrough
With both teams needing a response for different reasons, we expect a competitive clash at the John Smith's Stadium. One goal could settle this contest, and we are going to back the Terriers to edge this game in the closing stages.
r00fie say: 1-0 Boro
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Flashback:
Huddersfield Town 2-2 Middlesbrough. 2013/14 Season.
Highlights from Huddersfield's Sky Bet Championship match against Middlesbrough at John Smith's Stadium.
Huddersfield Town 2-2 Middlesbrough. 2013/14 Season.
Highlights from Huddersfield's Sky Bet Championship match against Middlesbrough at John Smith's Stadium.
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Fact / Stat:
* Although Huddersfield Town fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR in midweek, they remain just three points shy of the top six ahead of this round as they look to inflict further pain on Middlesbrough.
* However, the Terriers’ have often lacked bite in this fixture, failing to win nine of the last ten competitive H2Hs (D3, L6) with five defeats coming ‘to nil’.
* Fans would be quick to point out that their recent defeat came away from home and that Huddersfield are much more effective on home soil.
* In fact, Huddersfield have picked up 68% of their points here and are unbeaten in each of their last five home league games (W4, D1), a run which includes an impressive four straight clean sheets ahead of this clash.
* The introduction of Chris Wilder as manager has not yet had the desired effect for Middlesbrough, who are now without a win in five straight league games (two under Wilder).
* There’s some small positives however, as Middlesbrough have recorded a higher possession total recently, while outshooting their opposition by more than a 2:1 ratio in both games under the new boss.
* Though Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four of their last five trips to the John Smiths Stadium (W2, D2), their travelling fans have not had the best days out of late.
* Just three sides have picked up fewer than Middlesbrough’s nine away points so far while they possess a mere 29% win-rate when priced up as away league outsiders (W2, D3, L2), all of which points to another tough afternoon for Boro.
Key battle: Huddersfield keeper Lee Nicholls has successfully faced 39 goal attempts without conceding across his last four home games.
Trying to create a move to beat him will be midfielder Jonny Howson, who marked his 200th Middlesbrough appearance with an assist last time out.
Hot stat: Middlesbrough have failed to win a joint-league high six games in which they took a lead this Championship season (W6, D2, L4).
[Courtesy "Flashscore": https://www.flashscore.co.uk/match/dU0MsdbC/#match-summary]
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Beyond Our Wilderest Dreams.
Chris Wilder.
Chris Wilder.
'I'm here for the long term and I'll get it right, there's a big future'
[Courtesy: Dominic Shaw. Evening Gazette. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chris-wilder-im-here-long-22289484 ]With Boro languishing in the bottom half of the table and with Chris Wilder open and honest about the need to strengthen his squad, it would be easy for the new boss to dampen expectations this term and already turn attention to next season.
But that's not in his DNA.
For Wilder, this season is still very much alive and kicking and his plan is to stay within touching distance of the top six between now and January, before adding to his squad with players who he believes can and will make a difference.
Despite only taking one point from his first two games, Wilder has seen plenty to be encouraged by and says the players have taken on his message quicker than he expected.
And if Boro do fall short this season, Wilder has no doubt his side will come back a lot stronger next term.
For the more he sees of the football club, the more Wilder says he knows he will be a success on Teesside.
"I'm here for the long term and I'll get it right," said the boss.
"The longer I'm here, the more confident I am we'll get it right. You always walk into a football club thinking what's it really like, but the more I'm here I know there's a big future for this football club."
Boro boss Chris Wilder (Image: CameraSport - Mick Walker)
Wilder is excited for the future but his immediate focus is on the here and now, and picking up his first win at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
On the whole, he's been pleased with the way his players have responded, despite not getting the results he believes they deserved against Millwall and Preston.
Boro head for the John Smith's Stadium in 15th place in the Championship but top six remains the target.
"Why not?," said Wilder.
"If we can add one or two bits and pieces to our game then yeah definitely. January is huge because of the quality we're going to bring in that suits the way we play.
"I want to win the next game. The feeling I want the players to have after a setback is the feeling I had on Tuesday - disappointment. You can reflect and think that went well and that went well but we lost a game of football.
"If you're a competitor, defeat doesn't sit easy. If you're playing a game of pool in that next room, you want to win. That's the attitude you need. In training if it's a small sided game you want to win, if it's a sprint you want to do your best. You have to maximise everything.
"If you have that inside you, which fortunately I have, you have to accept defeat but you don't enjoy it. When it goes against you, you need to take it on the chin and come roaring back."
The boss has seen promising signs.
"I thought there was a period for 25 minutes (against Preston) where they got it," said Wilder.
"We played some great stuff, even in the second half we created some fabulous chances. It's just individual moments that are key."
That's the next step - turning promise into points.
Wilder says: "We'll stick with the process, get the balance right, play well and win. If we don't play well, can we get something from the game?
"We have to keep knocking on the door, believing in what we're doing and get both penalty areas right.
"We'll learn from Tuesday night. It's the first time they've seen me annoyed, with the hump a little bit, they haven't seen the full blast yet. It's important I get the balance right and we keep morale high. I want them to play with confidence.
"I have the full blast in the locker. Timing is key. I'm a manager of human beings as well as footballers. I have to get the maximum out of the players.
"I can't be too critical at the moment because they've had a lot chucked at them and hopefully the sledgehammer doesn't come out and we're smiling and celebrating with 3,500 supporters on Saturday night.. We've sold out, which is incredible. To have that backing is a great incentive."
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