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Post by BlueValour on Feb 21, 2021 3:44:15 GMT 1
Huddersfield Town’s 4-1 home win over Swansea City on Saturday, 20 February 2021 was their first victory in nine league matches. This completed a first league double over the Swans in 14 years. And a well deserved victory it was. Playing a 3-5-2 formation, against a Swans side that declined to press, we looked dangerous throughout. Several particularly good performances caught the eye. Aaron Rowe is developing well, Duane Holmes came good big time, and Álex Vallejo, now he has settled in, looks a real asset to the team. The difference between this, and other recent performances, is that we kept the pace up throughout and, when the visitors equalised, our heads did not drop but we came out, after the break, with renewed determination. The Jacks have only conceded 19 goals in 29 matches but six of those were scored by Town in two outings!
Because of this result, Town go into the next round of Championship fixtures having risen to 18th in the division with 36 points from 31 games. We are now seven points above the drop zone, though several teams below us have matches in hand.
On Tuesday, 23 February 2021, KO 19:00, we continue our league campaign away at Derby County. This match will be purchasable on iFollow for £10 and it will be free to season card holders. It will be on the Sky Sports Football red button. The referee selected for this match is Geoff Eltringham.
Huddersfield have a terrible history in Derby. The last win we achieved there was on 30 November 1957. Since then we have a 0-4-20 away record in all competitions! Our last clash at Pride Park was on 15 February 2020 when we drew 1-1, under Danny Cowley. Town played well but, to secure a point, it took Harry Toffolo to level with nine minutes remaining when he raced into the area and beat the Rams’ keeper at his near post from a tight angle.
We last played Derby, in the reverse encounter, on 10 October 2020 when we won 1-0 at the John Smith’s Stadium. The winner came early in the second half through Juninho Bacuna, who finished well after a neat exchange of passes with Harry Toffolo in the area. In a fairly even match, the difference was in the set plays where the visitors were particularly poor.
In 2019-20, Derby finished the Championship in 10th place. This season, they scraped past Barrow, on penalties, in the 1st Round of the Carabao Cup then lost at home to Preston North End. They participated in one of the shock results in the FA Cup 3rd Round, losing 2-0 at National League North side Chorley.
Following their 2-1 loss at Watford, on 19 February, the Rams are in 19th place in the Championship with 34 points from their 30 matches, two points and one place behind Town but with a game in hand.
Derby County are much improved under Wayne Rooney and are fourth in the form table with 12 points from a last possible 18. They always seem to pull out the stops against us at Pride Park but, without spectators, I expect a more even contest and I going for a draw this time. Current PP odds: Town: 5/2 Draw: 23/10 Derby: 21/20
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Post by 66738 on Feb 21, 2021 9:32:58 GMT 1
There’s at least two players that will be really wanting to give a big performance against Derby. Fingers crossed they along with the others take forward their new found confidence and give Rooney & Co a reet hiding. (But I’d take a damp squib 0-1).
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dezzly
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Post by dezzly on Feb 21, 2021 9:46:41 GMT 1
Derby seem to by all accounts be very much a cowleyesque side from the end of our season last season.Play well in patches and in the ones they don’t many a shithouse tactic is used.Something I think we lack at times in games.Up there form wise but yesterday proves can’t always read too much into that in this division. Long as we don’t pickup anymore injuries to key players in the week I think we should be good for a draw but fingers crossed can do better.A point or 3 would be good to take into two very winnable games against a very Preston side who seem to be struggling of late and then Birmingham similarly.Could we go on a little mini run undefeated.Yesterday has certainly helped strengthen the thought that we could.
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Post by jumpersandgoalposts on Feb 21, 2021 9:59:48 GMT 1
Very interested to see how CC handles reintroducing Toffolo, do we stick after last night or do we twist? Rowe has excited us all and surely can't be dropped, we now know with our current fit players that the wing back system is our best formation until Koroma and Mbenza return so what do we do? Play Toffolo as the left CB and drop Keogh or Sarr? Start with Toffs on the bench and see if we can maintain that level of performance? It's a nice problem to have and gives CC the best kind of headache.
UTT
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Post by Doug Jardine on Feb 21, 2021 10:11:26 GMT 1
Keogh, is a hot head, even with a reported £2M pay off, he is very disgruntled with Derby, I hope I'm wrong but if he plays I hope he doesn't get sent off?
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Post by turbo2 on Feb 21, 2021 10:39:27 GMT 1
Keogh, is a hot head, even with a reported £2M pay off, he is very disgruntled with Derby, I hope I'm wrong but if he plays I hope he doesn't get sent off? Think keogh and Holmes will both have a point to prove. Fingers crossed It’s been a graveyard for years. Don’t think I’ve ever been and we’ve not conceded at least 3.
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bigtruck
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Post by bigtruck on Feb 21, 2021 10:43:01 GMT 1
Very interested to see how CC handles reintroducing Toffolo, do we stick after last night or do we twist? Rowe has excited us all and surely can't be dropped, we now know with our current fit players that the wing back system is our best formation until Koroma and Mbenza return so what do we do? Play Toffolo as the left CB and drop Keogh or Sarr? Start with Toffs on the bench and see if we can maintain that level of performance? It's a nice problem to have and gives CC the best kind of headache. UTT Get your point fully regarding Toffolo and Koroma but Rowe has shown more in 2 games than Mbenza has in 3 years. And I think we can keep this 352/3421 sort of formation going even with koroma back. Holmes advanced starting position yesterday would suit Koroma too. We’ve seen Toffolo also play that left side of back 3 so all of a sudden we have options. But I just hope we don’t start swapping and tinkering with a formation that Clearly suits.
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digs
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Post by digs on Feb 21, 2021 10:44:11 GMT 1
Keogh, is a hot head, even with a reported £2M pay off, he is very disgruntled with Derby, I hope I'm wrong but if he plays I hope he doesn't get sent off? Do you think hes going to kick fuck out of all the Derby players because the club sacked him? he's not 15 years old
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Post by tepidterrier on Feb 21, 2021 10:53:50 GMT 1
I think Holmes will be really up for this one after Rooney's comments about him, not so much of a point to prove after yesterday but he'll want to rub their faces in it I hope!
Keogh is a bit of a different one, we don't know what went on with the other players, if they still get on etc. He definitely has a bone to pick with the club, but probably more the people upstairs than on the pitch. Either way I hope he scores and does a completely tasteless celebration
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Post by sonny on Feb 21, 2021 11:04:59 GMT 1
How long is it since Town had a selection dilemma for positive reasons?
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Post by tvor on Feb 21, 2021 11:07:27 GMT 1
Two of the most pleasing things that happened yesterday was the confidence that they took from the first goal and the fact that their heads didn’t drop after the equaliser. It didn’t feel like it at the time but the goal just before half time was the best time for it, allowing CC the chance of a amended team talk. If the confidence says high, there is no reason they can’t get a result against an under pressure team and manager.
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Post by jumpersandgoalposts on Feb 21, 2021 11:26:27 GMT 1
Very interested to see how CC handles reintroducing Toffolo, do we stick after last night or do we twist? Rowe has excited us all and surely can't be dropped, we now know with our current fit players that the wing back system is our best formation until Koroma and Mbenza return so what do we do? Play Toffolo as the left CB and drop Keogh or Sarr? Start with Toffs on the bench and see if we can maintain that level of performance? It's a nice problem to have and gives CC the best kind of headache. UTT Get your point fully regarding Toffolo and Koroma but Rowe has shown more in 2 games than Mbenza has in 3 years. And I think we can keep this 352/3421 sort of formation going even with koroma back. Holmes advanced starting position yesterday would suit Koroma too. We’ve seen Toffolo also play that left side of back 3 so all of a sudden we have options. But I just hope we don’t start swapping and tinkering with a formation that Clearly suits. Completely agree mate, no chance would I drop Rowe for Mbenza! I have been happy with his assist and goal return but Rowe brings so much more. What do you think about the left and middle CB choice? My ideal back three would be Toffolo, Stearman and Vallejo (when stearman is fully fit) as I've been so disappointed with Sarr and Keogh is ideally backup at best until REG returns. I'm assuming we may never see Schindler again which is a shame after such a great town career. What a difference a day makes 😂
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Wingman
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Post by Wingman on Feb 21, 2021 11:35:21 GMT 1
Got to expect Holmes or Keogh to score. Odds on them must be keen?
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Post by Christ in Shades (art) on Feb 21, 2021 11:39:08 GMT 1
Another barren ground for us. Same level of performance again please and a win but we'll see which Town turns up.
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Post by Baby Ate My Eight Ball on Feb 21, 2021 11:42:38 GMT 1
Don’t see the point of Toffolo on the left of a back 3. His strength is high up the pitch and he’s not strong or physical enough to be a centre back.
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Post by Henry Mcgee on Feb 21, 2021 12:01:31 GMT 1
Very interested to see how CC handles reintroducing Toffolo, do we stick after last night or do we twist? Rowe has excited us all and surely can't be dropped, we now know with our current fit players that the wing back system is our best formation until Koroma and Mbenza return so what do we do? Play Toffolo as the left CB and drop Keogh or Sarr? Start with Toffs on the bench and see if we can maintain that level of performance? It's a nice problem to have and gives CC the best kind of headache. UTT Yes - will be very interesting. I can seriously see him keeping the starting lineup and starting a fully fit Toffolo on the bench - unthinkable a few weeks ago but how can you drop Rowe? Vellejo has to be a guaranteed starter now too - Holmes was pushing for being benched but that's out of the window after yesterday. You can't leave anyone out surely - except Schofield of course
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Post by Convictatthemac on Feb 21, 2021 12:19:43 GMT 1
Very interested to see how CC handles reintroducing Toffolo, do we stick after last night or do we twist? Rowe has excited us all and surely can't be dropped, we now know with our current fit players that the wing back system is our best formation until Koroma and Mbenza return so what do we do? Play Toffolo as the left CB and drop Keogh or Sarr? Start with Toffs on the bench and see if we can maintain that level of performance? It's a nice problem to have and gives CC the best kind of headache. UTT Going by what CC did with Crichlow after he won MoM, bringing Sarr straight into the starting lineup, then I’m expecting Toffolo to come straight back in. That said, I don’t like changing winning teams so I’d go unchanged with Toffolo on the bench. Think it’s important to reward winning especially after the lean run we’ve had.
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Post by jumpersandgoalposts on Feb 21, 2021 12:41:50 GMT 1
Very interested to see how CC handles reintroducing Toffolo, do we stick after last night or do we twist? Rowe has excited us all and surely can't be dropped, we now know with our current fit players that the wing back system is our best formation until Koroma and Mbenza return so what do we do? Play Toffolo as the left CB and drop Keogh or Sarr? Start with Toffs on the bench and see if we can maintain that level of performance? It's a nice problem to have and gives CC the best kind of headache. UTT Yes - will be very interesting. I can seriously see him keeping the starting lineup and starting a fully fit Toffolo on the bench - unthinkable a few weeks ago but how can you drop Rowe? Vellejo has to be a guaranteed starter now too - Holmes was pushing for being benched but that's out of the window after yesterday. You can't leave anyone out surely - except Schofield of course For sure! Got to have a look at Leutwiler now. Get Toffolo straight in that left CB role for me
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Post by Detective Boyle on Feb 21, 2021 12:47:23 GMT 1
Old granny basher seems to have picked up a few decent results with derby, but we should be buoyant after that win. 1-2 town (Rowe, Sarr)
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Post by terriertim on Feb 21, 2021 12:50:14 GMT 1
Old granny basher seems to have picked up a few decent results with derby, but we should be buoyant after that win. 1-2 town (Rowe, Sarr) Heheheehee - forgot about that - and his glue on hair -
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Tinpot
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Post by Tinpot on Feb 21, 2021 13:00:04 GMT 1
Yes - will be very interesting. I can seriously see him keeping the starting lineup and starting a fully fit Toffolo on the bench - unthinkable a few weeks ago but how can you drop Rowe? Vellejo has to be a guaranteed starter now too - Holmes was pushing for being benched but that's out of the window after yesterday. You can't leave anyone out surely - except Schofield of course For sure! Got to have a look at Leutwiler now. Get Toffolo straight in that left CB role for me I don't know whether it's relevant, but Pereira was on the bench yesterday. Must admit I can't see the sense in playing Toffolo at CB except if we're in a horrendous injury crisis. We Have Sarr, Stearman, Valejo, Keogh & Crichlow available for either 2 or 3 spaces, and there's not one of those that should be behind Toffolo for a CB berth. Toffolo's best attribute is attacking down the left & you totally nullify that threat playing him at CB.
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Post by Kenny irons on Feb 21, 2021 13:02:49 GMT 1
Just had a read on the Derby forum and low and behold the Same old Derby fans thinking they are too good to go down and it should be a standard 3 points.
I'm going for a 2 0 win in this one Come on lads
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Post by jumpersandgoalposts on Feb 21, 2021 13:06:41 GMT 1
For sure! Got to have a look at Leutwiler now. Get Toffolo straight in that left CB role for me I don't know whether it's relevant, but Pereira was on the bench yesterday. Yes I was slightly sceptical about that, I know very little of his ability but from anecdotal evidence he isn't very reliable. Unless we just signed Leutwiler as a third GK for training purposes or to cover incase of an injury to Schofield or Pereira then CC may have very little faith so maybe I'm jumping the gun. Would be interesting to know if he is capable or not though.
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Post by sabailand on Feb 21, 2021 13:07:33 GMT 1
Hard one to predict, derby have been down there most of the season but are still a capable side, the next 3-4 games will tell us if we`ve turned the corner, its winnable of course but i`d be ok with a point!
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Tinpot
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Post by Tinpot on Feb 21, 2021 13:10:48 GMT 1
Just had a read on the Derby forum and low and behold the Same old Derby fans thinking they are too good to go down and it should be a standard 3 points. I'm going for a 2 0 win in this one Come on lads TBF, they're in great form at the moment - we've had 1 good result this year, and they're at home. We were crap away even before the Jan/Feb slump. After yesterday, a comfortable win for Derby no longer looks the foregone conclusion it did 24hrs ago, but they're still strong favourites.
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Post by brighousebandbred on Feb 21, 2021 13:11:36 GMT 1
Just had a read on the Derby forum and low and behold the Same old Derby fans thinking they are too good to go down and it should be a standard 3 points. I'm going for a 2 0 win in this one Come on lads To be fair to them in their entire history they have only spent 4 years below the championship, which would give their fan base a good belief that they won’t get relegated. I don’t think they will do you really.
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Tinpot
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Post by Tinpot on Feb 21, 2021 13:13:46 GMT 1
I don't know whether it's relevant, but Pereira was on the bench yesterday. Yes I was slightly sceptical about that, I know very little of his ability but from anecdotal evidence he isn't very reliable. Unless we just signed Leutwiler as a third GK for training purposes or to cover incase of an injury to Schofield or Pereira then CC may have very little faith so maybe I'm jumping the gun. Would be interesting to know if he is capable or not though. IMO you need 3 keepers. We let Hamer go & brought in somebody cheaper, that also gave us chance to have a look at him to see whether he's worth keeping beyond the summer. Good value, low risk option but unlikely to get many first team minutes, is how I saw it.
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Post by andyeastleake on Feb 21, 2021 13:13:59 GMT 1
Keogh, is a hot head, even with a reported £2M pay off, he is very disgruntled with Derby, I hope I'm wrong but if he plays I hope he doesn't get sent off? Do you think hes going to kick fuck out of all the Derby players because the club sacked him? he's not 15 years old TBF Digs if you asked me whether a club captain was more likely to get in a car driven by a p****d team mate and then allow him to race two other p****d teammates
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Kick a few of his Ex-team mates on his return I'd say the latter was more believable. He's not 15 but sure as hell acts like it occasionally
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Post by brighousebandbred on Feb 21, 2021 13:16:21 GMT 1
Do you think hes going to kick fuck out of all the Derby players because the club sacked him? he's not 15 years old TBF Digs if you asked me whether a club captain was more likely to get in a car driven by a p****d team mate and then allow him to race two other p****d teammates
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Kick a few of his Ex-team mates on his return I'd say the latter was more believable. He's not 15 but sure as hell acts like it occasionally No you can’t drink in pubs at 15 now. 😂
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Post by jumpersandgoalposts on Feb 21, 2021 13:24:00 GMT 1
Yes I was slightly sceptical about that, I know very little of his ability but from anecdotal evidence he isn't very reliable. Unless we just signed Leutwiler as a third GK for training purposes or to cover incase of an injury to Schofield or Pereira then CC may have very little faith so maybe I'm jumping the gun. Would be interesting to know if he is capable or not though. IMO you need 3 keepers. We let Hamer go & brought in somebody cheaper, that also gave us chance to have a look at him to see whether he's worth keeping beyond the summer. Good value, low risk option but unlikely to get many first team minutes, is how I saw it. Yes three keepers is a must not just for injury cover but its required on the training ground. I would have personally kept Hamer till the end of this season and sent Schofield out on loan to bulk up a little and improve his all round game. Decent shot stopper but lacking in other aspects. I can see the thinking to free up funds however this can't be doing Schofields confidence any good.
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