Grayson makes five changes to starting XI
Huddersfield Town Manager Simon Grayson has made five changes to the starting XI for today’s FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round game at Charlton Athletic; 3pm kick-off at the Valley.
After sitting on the bench for the last two games, Club Captain Peter Clarke returns to the starting line-up to skipper the side at the expense of Joel Lynch, who hasn’t travelled to London with the squad due to the hamstring injury that forced him off at Leicester City on New Year’s Day.
Keith Southern misses out on a second Valley appearance of the season due to an ankle injury; his place in central midfield is taken by Oliver Norwood.
Elsewhere, after being unavailable for selection against his parent club on Tuesday, Jermaine Beckford returns to the side in place of Lee Novak.
Scottish international Paul Dixon (pictured above) also makes his first start for six games at left back, replacing Murray Wallace.
The final change comes on the left wing; with Adam Hammill ineligible for the FA Cup due to the terms of his loan from Wolves, Sean Scannell – who was born and raised only 15 miles from the Valley in Croydon – starts after a two game stint among the substitutes.
Town’s team is expected to start in a 4-4-2 formation this afternoon. Goalkeeper Alex Smithies has recovered from the dead leg sustained at Leicester to maintain his record of starting every game this season behind a back four of Paul Dixon, Anthony Gerrard, skipper Peter Clarke and Jack Hunt. Sean Scannell will begin on the left of midfield with Scott Arfield on the right side, leaving Oliver Norwood to partner Adam Clayton – Town’s goalscorer during 1-1 League draw at the Valley in late November – in central midfield. Up front, Jermaine Beckford – scorer of 15 FA Cup goals in as many starts during his career – will partner James Vaughan.
Tom Clarke is among Town’s substitutes this afternoon – his only previous appearance for the First Team this season came in the season-opening Capital One Cup game at Preston North End. Also on the bench is Development Squad defender Tom Smith; a right back who can also play at centre half, the 20 year-old ex-Manchester City youngster has made eight appearances for Steve Eyre's Under-21 side this season. He has been handed the number 26 shirt.
Town’s team vs. Charlton Athletic:
1. Alex Smithies
3. Paul Dixon
4. Oliver Norwood
5. Peter Clarke (c)
6. Anthony Gerrard
7. Sean Scannell
8. Adam Clayton
16. Scott Arfield
18. James Vaughan
21. Jermaine Beckford
32. Jack Hunt
Substitutes: Ian Bennett, Lee Novak, Tom Clarke, Murray Wallace, Anton Robinson, Tom Smith, Chris Atkinson
