Two sides experiencing entirely contrasting seasons will meet at the John Smith’s Stadium this weekend as Huddersfield Town down at the bottom welcome the promotion-chasing Watford to Yorkshire in the second game back after the World Cup break.
Huddersfield are having arguably their worst season in the history of Championship football. The club are right down in last place having won the fewest games in the league with five victories and the most losses too with 12.
🗣️ @michaelhefele has something to say...#htafc— Huddersfield Town (@htafc) December 15, 2022
🗣️ @michaelhefele has something to say...#htafc
Their only thing to shout about right now is how they have a game in hand on those above them, but with a six-point gap on Hull City in 21st place and out of the drop zone, they must win that game in hand to give themselves some sort of a chance.
That in itself, however, seems unlikely. The Terriers have let in 27 goals so far from those 21 games and scored only 19 of their own. It's far from the worst record in the Championship right now, but in losing 12 times and winning only five games, there is no real reason to back them to win.
Sheffield United defeated Huddersfield 1-0 last time out to extend their winless run to two games. They also lost to Greek giants, Olympiacos, in a friendly clash earlier in December.
Huddersfield's other results in the past month have seen them lose to Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, while also drawing with Swansea City but beating Queens Park Rangers to get their fifth win in the league on the board.
Watford, however, are coming into this one off the back of two goalless draws in a row. The first saw them draw 0-0 with Bristol City, before meeting with Hull City at Vicarage Road in another 0-0 game.
This does mean they have gone on a three-game unbeaten run, having also defeated Reading earlier in November. The last time the Hornets lost was to Coventry City at home back at the start of November.
Watford are sitting fifth in the table right now and behind fourth-placed Norwich City by just one point and Blackburn in third by two points. At the same time, they sit ahead of Preston North End by just goals difference.
It's tough to see how Huddersfield win this game and get out of the relegation zone before 2023. Forebet predicts a win for Watford and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.