Ward returns to side for first start of year
Huddersfield Town Manager Mark Robins has brought Danny Ward back into the starting XI for today’s West Yorkshire derby at Elland Road against Leeds United; 12.30pm kick-off.
Ward will make his first start after a 19 game absence through injury following two impressive substitute appearances in Town’s last two outings; he replaces Theo Robinson.
That is one of two changes to the starting line-up, with the other coming in attack – top scorer James Vaughan returning to the team following his two match suspension at the expense of Lee Novak.
Town could line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape this afternoon, with Alex Smithies in goal making the 150th League appearance of his career at the ground where he made his first professional start.
Paul Dixon, Anthony Gerrard, Captain Peter Clarke and Jack Hunt form the back four once again, with Oscar Gobern and Oliver Norwood in central midfield. Ahead of them the returning Ward lines up alongside former Leeds player Adam Clayton and Neil Danns, with James Vaughan leading the line.
Jermaine Beckford returns to the bench this afternoon after missing the last ten games with a hamstring injury alongside Sean Scannell, who returns from his own hamstring problem.
Town’s team vs. Leeds United:
1. Alex Smithies
3. Paul Dixon
4. Oliver Norwood
5. Peter Clarke (c)
6. Anthony Gerrard
8. Adam Clayton
10. Oscar Gobern
11. Danny Ward
18. James Vaughan
20. Neil Danns
32. Jack Hunt
Substitutes: Ian Bennett, Calum Woods, Sean Scannell, Lee Novak, Murray Wallace, Theo Robinson, Jermaine Beckford
