After what can only be described as an incredibly exciting opening five game-weeks in the Sky Bet Championship, it returns this weekend following the international break.
There are a whole host of mouth-watering matches to be played, but none more so, in my opinion, than the Yorkshire derby between Huddersfield Town and Leeds United.
Huddersfield, whose own fans will admit they’re surprised to see their club at the summit of the league, travel to Elland Road to try to maintain their unbeaten record, which sees them on thirteen from a possible fifteen points.
Leeds have started in stark contrast to the terriers, and have picked up just 1 win from their first 5 games. However, Leeds have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between the clubs, and will no doubt want to pick up a run of form starting with the derby this weekend.
Huddersfield bring a huge away support with them on the short journey to Elland Road, and here are 3 key factors which could be hugely influential in the success of Huddersfield this weekend.
Nahki Wells
The former Bradford striker was instrumental in Huddersfield’s escape from relegation last season. The Bermudian netted 18 in all competitions last year and is no doubt the star man at the John Smith’s stadium. He has scored one already this campaign, and will look to add to his tally this weekend. Wells is playing a slightly deeper role this year, so he is able to get involved in play more, rather than solely concentrating on himself scoring. Huddersfield have brought in other attacking options this season such as German forward Elias Kachunga, who himself has already scored this campaign, but there is no doubt Wells will still be the star striker that the Huddersfield fans rely on.
Christopher Schindler
Solidity, composure, leadership. Attributes every fan wants in a center back, and something that has been missing at Huddersfield Town until now. The 26-year-old German has been instrumental already in the success at the start of the campaign, offering a cool head and solidity as well as great leadership qualities and aerial ability, which has seen the defense at the Yorkshire club improve dramatically. Leeds have signed a vast amount of players, a lot of whom are attacking influences, so Schindler will have to be at his best to ensure that Huddersfield come away with a good result.
The fans
Fans are essential in every teams success, but especially an away derby. Huddersfield have once again sold out away allocation this season, which shows just how excited and on board the fans are with the direction the club is going and the job that David Wagner is doing. It was a huge risk by Dean Hoyle and the board at Huddersfield to bring in the German, who was formally Jurgen Klopp’s right hand man at Borussia Dortmund, but it seems to be paying off. Although the stats don’t look in Huddersfield’s favor, if the fans are able to become the 12th man, then I wouldn’t put it past the terriers to maintain their unbeaten record this weekend.
