A new era for Huddersfield Town gets underway at the John Smith's Stadium this weekend, as David Wagner watches over his side for the first time since taking charge in a West Yorkshire derby meeting against Leeds United.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund assistant manager was appointed as Chris Powell's successor on Thursday afternoon, though academy boss Mark Lillis will be tasked with leading the Terriers out against a potentially rejuvenated visiting side in Saturday's early kickoff.
Huddersfield Town
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Less than 24 hours after praising his side's "excellent" performance away at Reading, Powell was shown the exit by the club's fed-up chiefs who felt that change was required.
For some it was a sacking that was a little harsh, especially considering Huddersfield had just pushed one of the promotion favourites all the way at the Madejski Stadium, while others felt that the decision had been a long time coming.
Town certainly acted quickly to bring in a new manager, or 'head coach' as Wagner will officially be referred to as, with chief executive Nigel Clibbens citing a "new approach" behind his reasoning for changing the current set-up.
Wagner is certainly highly thought of, not least in the Bundesliga due to his work at Dortmund and Hoffenheim, but it should also be remembered that he departed the German giants' reserve side after they had been relegated back down to the regionalised fourth tier last season.
While the former United States international will be watching from the stands this weekend, the new manager effect could still provide Huddersfield with a welcome boost as they aim to pick up a first win in four.
A positive run of results between mid-September and mid-October - including three wins, two draws and a defeat - had the Terriers eyeing up a place in the top half rather than another relegation battle.
That 2-2 draw at Reading last time out aside, though, Huddersfield have started slipping once more and are now five points above the drop zone.
Just two home wins in their last nine certainly has not helped, though the West Yorkshire outfit have shown plenty of character by gaining eight points from losing positions so far this term - a record bettered by only two other teams.
Recent form in Championship: LDWLLD
Leeds United
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Only at Leeds United, a team synonymous with its off-field antics, can a manager installed just a fortnight prior see his position called into question by some.
That is not to suggest that newly-installed Steve Evans was ever likely to get the chop after just a few games in charge, but with rumours of a takeover and results not improving, questions were already being asked of the Scot.
Victory over Cardiff City in midweek changed all that, though - for the time being, at least - as a 1-0 victory at Elland Road provided a night of many firsts for the Whites.
A first home win in eight months, a run stretching back some 12 attempts, a first win over the Bluebirds in more than three decades, and also a maiden triumph for Evans since taking over from Uwe Rosler.
Two battling draws on the road upon taking charge certainly earned some respect, before a 2-0 loss against Blackburn Rovers - extending that barren home run - led to more groans around the famous old club.
Evans now finally has a platform to push on from thanks to the win on Tuesday night, inspired by a real corker from Alex Mowatt, yet events off the field seem no closer to reaching an amicable conclusion.
The suggestion had been that chairman Massimo Cellino was willing to sell the Whites to supporter group Leeds Fans United, but that has now been quashed and instead further clouds hover over Elland Road.
All Evans can do is continue to win games, of course, with just one point separating the West Yorkshire rivals heading into Saturday lunchtime's showdown.
Recent form in Championship: LLDDLW
Team News
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Having named an unchanged side for his first three games at the helm, Evans opted to switch things around last time out by making three alterations to the Leeds starting lineup.
Sol Bamba was among those to drop out due to suspension, but with that one-match ban now behind him he will likely return to the heart of defence.
That could mean Giuseppe Bellusci dropping back out, while Tom Adeyemi is also eligible again after missing out against his parent club, as is returning forward Lee Erwin.
In terms of the home side, they are expected to still be without the injured Sean Scannell for the visit of their rivals, yet Ishmael Miller may be deemed fit enough to start after missing the Reading match in midweek.
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Steer; Cranie, Hudson, Lynch, Davidson; Bunn, Huws, Whitehead, Carayol; Miller, Wells
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Silvestri; Byram, Bamba, Cooper, Berardi; Dallas, Murphy, Mowatt, Cook; Wood, Antenucci
Head To Head
Huddersfield have lost each of their last three matches against Leeds, with 10 goals being shipped in the process.
The Whites have netted in the last eight encounters, meanwhile, scoring a total of 21 goals in all.
Leeds have won on two of their last three trips to the John Smith's Stadium, in a fixture that tends to provide goals.
We say: Huddersfield Town 1-1 Leeds United
Victory over Cardiff in midweek could provide Leeds with a real springboard to climb up the table, although up against a side looking to impress under new management, the points are likely to be shared in the latest instalment of the West Yorkshire derby.
Daniel Lewis
