Preview: Huddersfield Town vs. Southampton - prediction, team news, lineups

Southampton make the trip to the John Smith's Stadium to face Huddersfield Town looking to keep the pressure on the top three in the Championship table.

At a time when the Saints are a team very much in form, Huddersfield sit just four points clear of the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's fixture.

Match preview

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Although Huddersfield initially looked like they would settle under the guidance of Darren Moore, the size of the task for the new boss has quickly become apparent.

The Terriers have collected just one point from their last four games, conceding four times in two of those outings and scoring just the once.

Positives were taken from the goalless draw at home to Watford, yet a last-gasp 1-0 defeat away at Hull City before the international break has deflated the mood at the Yorkshire side.

As a result, Huddersfield now have to be increasingly conscious of the three teams below them, all of which have appointed new managers in a bid to kick-start their seasons.

Huddersfield have suffered just one defeat in their most recent six fixtures at home, although that solitary loss was by a 4-0 scoreline against Cardiff City.

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Meanwhile, Southampton are now firing on all cylinders under Russell Martin, going eight games unbeaten having previous lost four times in a row.

Martin would have feared a panic-sacking at the time, but the club's patience is now being rewarded with the Saints the form team in the division.

Three triumphs have been recorded in succession, with Southampton earning victories over Birmingham City, Millwall and West Bromwich Albion.

Southampton also possess one of the best away records in the division, accumulating 16 points from eight games even though they have conceded one more goal than they have scored.

Team News

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Josh Koroma could return to the Huddersfield XI after recently recovering from an injury that kept him sidelined for a number of weeks.

In what may prove to be the only alteration, Kyle Hudlin could drop down to the substitutes' bench, but the likes of Ollie Turton and Danny Ward remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

Martin must decide whether to recall Jan Bednarek after the centre-back was absent from the West Brom game due to suspension.

Mason Holgate would likely drop out of the side if Bednarek returns, but Shea Charles is in line to replace the injured Will Smallbone.

With Che Adams also expected to miss out, Kamaldeen Sulemana could continue to partner Adam Armstrong in attack.

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:

Nicholls; Jackson, Pearson, Helik, Lees, Nakayama; Wiles, Edmonds-Green, Hogg, Thomas; Koroma

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Bree; S. Armstrong, Charles, Downes, Alcaraz; A. Armstrong, Sulemana

We say: Huddersfield Town 0-2 Southampton

Huddersfield needed the November international break far more than Southampton, and it creates the potential for a surprise result. However, we have to back the growing consistency of the Saints, who can remain very much in contention for automatic promotion.

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