An in-depth look at our penultimate home fixture against Swansea City at the John Smith's Stadium
- Huddersfield Town vs Swansea City
- Saturday 20 April 2024; 3pm
- Preview of penultimate Sky Bet Championship home game
Back on home soil this weekend, Town welcome Swansea City to the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday for their penultimate Sky Bet Championship home fixture of the 2023/24 campaign.
Following late drama at Ashton Gate last week, the Terriers will be fighting to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their Sky Bet Championship status for another season by picking up as many points as possible from their upcoming fixtures - starting at home against the Swans.
THE OPPOSITION
Sitting comfortably in mid-table as we approach the end of the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship season, Swansea City are currently nine points ahead of the Terriers - having claimed six points from their last two fixtures.
Despite a tumultuous start to their current campaign and a change in manager at the start of this year, the Swans now see themselves 14th in the league - winning 14, losing 18, and drawing 11 fixtures since August 2023.
THE HEAD COACH
Following the dismissal of Michael Duff in December last year, the Swans appointed Luke Williams who, at the time of appointment, was enjoying a successful run as Manager of Notts County.
During his first season with the National League side, Williams led them to a club record-breaking 107 points, scoring 117 goals throughout their campaign and setting a new club record unbeaten run of 25 games, before ultimately winning promotion to League Two.
Returning to South Wales in 2024, Williams had formerly worked alongside Southampton's Russell Martin, with the two seeing Swansea finish 15th and 10th during two seasons with the club. Prior to their tenure in Wales, the duo also worked together at MK Dons between 2019 and 2021 - with both coaching stints highlighting the pair's attacking, possession-based style of play.
LAST TIME OUT
Picking up three points in South Yorkshire on Saturday, the Swans took on the Millers in a 1-0 victory following an own goal from Rotherham United midfielder Andy Rinomhota.
Dominating posession and with 16 shots overall, Swansea struggled to make the most of their chances in the box last time out against an already relegated Rotherham.
Previous Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Rushworth; Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon; Fulton, Grimes; Ronald, Cooper, Paterson; Cullen
FORMATION
Since Williams arrival in January this year, the Swans have deviated from a 4-2-3-1 formation just once - in a 3-1 defeat against promotion-chasing Leicester City.
Working with a sole forward, this style of play allows Swansea to remain solid at the back whilst also allowing players in midfield to adapt to the needs of the game and support in areas across the pitch when needed.
WHO TO WATCH
Jerry Yates
Joining the Swans from Blackpool in the summer, Yates has appeared in all but three of his side's fixtures this season - including their two most recent outings.
Finding the back of the net seven times so far - also with one assist to his name too - the 27-year-old scored 14 goals in 41 games last season for the Seasiders, so will be looking to get closer to this feat as we enter the final stages of the 2023/24 campaign.
Matt Grimes
The 28-year old midfielder has long been a recognised face on the field for the Swans, playing virtually every game possible since the 2018/19 season - including every minute during Swansea's current campaign.
Now also captain of the side, Grimes plays a metronomic role, recycling possession, and keeping the ball moving as the side build slowly. Unafraid to make challenges, dangerous from set plays, and leader of the team, Grimes is a player that Town have to limit the involvement of to dampen Swansea’s threat.
Carl Rushworth
Currently on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, the 22-year-old 'keeper hails from Halifax and had spent time in the Town Academy at the start of his career.
Starting every game for the Swans in the Sky Bet Championship this season and so far recording nine clean sheets, Rushworth will be looking to make it 10 on Saturday at the John Smith's Stadium.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Head Coach André Breitenreiter and a First Team player will speak to the press ahead of Saturday's fixture on Thursday 18 April from 1pm. You can watch the full press conference live via HTTV on YouTube.
KIT
Returning to West Yorkshire this weekend, the Terriers will be back in their traditional blue and white stripes as we take on the Swans - and there's currently 30% off the replica kit both in store and online! CLICK HERE to get yours now!
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Audio Match Passes for this fixture are available at just £2.50 each, giving Town supporters who are unable to join us on the day full live coverage of the game. CLICK HERE to book yours!
