Vaughan returns after injury
James Vaughan has returned to the starting XI in one of two changes made by Mark Robins for today’s Sky Bet Championship game at Brighton & Hove Albion; 3pm kick-off at the Amex.
After missing last weekend’s home defeat to Reading due to a lingering ankle problem, Town’s 12-goal top scorer returns to Captain the side this afternoon, replacing Danny Ward.
The other change comes in defence, where suspended former Brighton man Joel Lynch is replaced by Scotland Under-21 international Murray Wallace. He is making his first Championship appearance of the season today – his previous two games this season have both come in the Capital One Cup.
Otherwise the Terriers are unchanged from last weekend’s fixture, which means they look set to persist with their usual 3-5-2 formation.
Ever-present stopper Alex Smithies will line up in goal behind three centre halves today; Murray Wallace, Anthony Gerrard and Tommy Smith. It is a landmark day for the experienced Gerrard; he is making the 350th start of his career, which also happens to be his 50th League start for the Club.
Paul Dixon makes his 50th League appearance for Huddersfield Town at left wing-back with Adam Hammill on the right, whereas Oliver Norwood, Adam Clayton and Oscar Gobern form the central midfield trio. Gobern is making his 50th career start today, with Jonathan Hogg still unavailable due to his hip injury.
In attack, the returning James Vaughan partners Martin Paterson.
Jonathan Stead returns to the substitutes’ bench this afternoon in place of Spanish striker Cristian Lopez.
Town’s team vs. Brighton & Hove Albion:
1. Alex Smithies
3. Paul Dixon
4. Oliver Norwood
8. Adam Clayton
9. James Vaughan (c)
10. Oscar Gobern
12. Adam Hammill
15. Murray Wallace
17. Martin Paterson
27. Tommy Smith
39. Anthony Gerrard
Substitutes:
Ian Bennett, Calum Woods, Sean Scannell, Danny Ward, Jonathan Stead, Keith Southern, Duane Holmes
