Chris previews Saturday’s game at Barnsley
- Chris Powell previews Barnsley vs Huddersfield Town
- Manager wants to see progression from Deportivo friendly
- Ishmael Miller stands chance of playing
Chris Powell’s Huddersfield Town is back in action for the final time ahead of the 2015/16 Sky Bet Championship season on Saturday – and the Manager wants to see his side progress again.
The Terriers’ final First Team friendly of pre-season takes place at Sky Bet League 1 Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday and Powell wants his players to build on the performance from Wednesday night’s draw with La Liga side Deportivo de La Coruna.
“We need to build on a lot of the positives from the game against Deportivo on Wednesday. That was a really good response to the previous game from the players,” Chris explained.
“I always want to see progression and I would say that most of the players now have 90 minutes under their belts. Now we’re looking to fine tune. I’m very pleased with a lot of the work we’ve done.”
Although Barnsley is the final friendly ahead of the League campaign, Chris hinted that the team that starts at Oakwell won’t necessarily be the same one that faces Hull City on Saturday 8 August.
“People will always think that the team that plays in the final friendly – in our case Barnsley – will be the one that starts on the opening day, but that won’t be the case; I’m still looking at one or two things. Some players have given me plenty to think about, as one or two have come to the fore.
“I also know Hull will be watching us, because I will be watching them on Sunday! That might stop me from giving away too many of our secrets, but equally it is important that our players will bed down into the principles, roles and responsibilities that I want; not only next Saturday, but during the course of the season.
“I know whichever players get the shirts next week will be good enough to do Huddersfield Town justice.”
Although it is a pre-season friendly, Powell wants to win Saturday’s friendly on Yorkshire Day, 1 August.
He continued: “We’re looking forward to what is a local derby. It will be a very different game to the one in midweek and Barnsley will be more like the teams we’ll face week in and week out this season. We know what to expect.
“They are only down the road and there’s still pride at stake on Yorkshire Day, which is important for us. I’m sure we’ll have good support there, as always, and it’s important to us to do well for them.
“I’m most interested in the quality on show, the tactical work and the physicality of the players. I think we’ve done enough work to be a strong unit. We see this as another building block towards 8 August.”
Powell is hopeful that striker Ishmael Miller will return to the match day squad, which would give him a fully fit group to select from.
“Hopefully Ishmael will be fit enough to be included in the squad, which gives me food for thought. He’s one of a few players, like Jon Hogg and James Vaughan, who were a major part of what we did last year and now don’t have the games behind them. Injuries are part of the nature of football, though; these things happen.
“I want the players to come through Saturday and be raring to start the season next weekend. Throughout the course of the season they’ll all get their chance, so it’s up to them to be ready to play for my team.”
Tickets for Saturday's friendly are cheaper for Season Card holders if bought in advance; click HERE for info.
The Stadium Superstore is open for extended hours between 9am and 2pm on Saturday so you can get your 2015/16 home kit!
