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[monks data]
Birmingham logo
Championship
Dec 5, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Huddersfield logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-1)
Lolley (1'), Wells (81')

Preview: Birmingham City vs. Huddersfield Town

Sports Mole previews the Championship clash between Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town.

Birmingham City will go in search of only their second win in seven games when they take on Huddersfield Town at St Andrew's.

The Terriers, meanwhile, are still looking for a first victory since David Wagner took charge of the club.


Birmingham City

Gary Rowett of Birmingham City looks on during the pre season friendly match between Nuneaton Town and Birmingham City at the James Parnell Stadium on July 14, 2015© Getty Images

The Blues hierarchy were forced to release a statement this week, dismissing rumours that Gary Rowett could leave to become manager at either Fulham or Queens Park Rangers.

Rowett has also revealed that he has been in talks over a new contract for the past six weeks.

The former Burton Albion boss was originally appointed on a one-year rolling contract as he tried to help City escape a relegation battle, but he has turned them into promotion candidates.

However, his previously high-flying side have stumbled of late, losing four of their last six games, although they remain in sixth place, 10 points off the top.

Birmingham have looked to bolster their lineup with loan signings of James Vaughan from Huddersfield and Greg Halford.

Their bid to sign Libor Kozak on a temporary deal, however, was rejected by local rivals Aston Villa.

Recent form: LLDWLL


Huddersfield Town

Emyr Huws of Huddersfield Town scores his team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest at John Smiths Stadium on September 24, 2015 in Huddersfield, England.© Getty Images

David Wagner has remained upbeat despite beginning his managerial tenure at the John Smith's Stadium with successive defeats.

The former Borussia Dortmund coach, who has vowed to bring attacking football to the Yorkshire club, said that he was relishing last Saturday's game against Middlesbrough which his side lost 2-0.

Town are currently in the bottom three, but a win could propel them above the likes of MK Dons, Bristol City and Charlton Athletic.

Part of the reason for their plight is the fact that Huddersfield boast one of the worst defences in the division and one of the least potent attacks.

Nevertheless, despite their form, Town decided to let Vaughan leave on loan, although Ben Chilwell has come in on a temporary deal from Leicester City.

Recent form: LLDLLLL


Team News

Huddersfield's James Vaughan celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal against Middlesbrough during their Championship match on October 1, 2013© Getty Images

Having been on the bench against Brighton, Vaughan could make his first start in a Birmingham shirt against his former club.

Should he play, Jacques Maghoma could be the man to make way. Clayton Donaldson remains out injured.

Meanwhile, Chilwell is in contention for his second start for the Terriers, having played against Boro.

Huddersfield's goalscoring hopes are likely to rest on the shoulders of Nakhi Wells and Emyr Huws.

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:
Kuszczak; Caddis, Morrison, Spector, Grounds; Gleeson, Kieftenbeld, Gray, Toral, Vaughan; Brock-Madsen

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Steer; Chilwell, Smith, Hudson, Cranie; Scannell, Whitehead, Huws, Lolley; Wells, Paterson


Head To Head

Overall, there is little to pick between the teams in terms of previous encounters, with Birmingham winning 37 and losing 39 of the 105 matches.

However, the Blues have definitely had the better of recent meetings, having only been beaten in three of the last 16 against the Terriers.

Huddersfield have fared well on their last three visits to St Andrew's, winning two and drawing one in the West Midlands.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Birmingham 2-1 Huddersfield

There is no doubt that Birmingham are struggling for form, but they showed some fight against Brighton and, with Huddersfield also yet to score a point under Wagner, this could be a chance for City to return to winning ways.



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Greg Halford of Nottingham Forest celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match between Reading and Nottingham Forest at Madejski Stadium on January 01, 2014
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