Two changes to starting XI
Danny Ward makes his first start of the 2013/14 season as one of two changes to the team for today’s Sky Bet Championship game at home to Watford; 3pm kick-off.
Following on from his impressive showing as a substitute at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, Ward – who has recently recovered from an ankle injury – replaces Sean Scannell in the starting line-up this afternoon.
The other chance comes in central midfield, where Oliver Norwood replaces Oscar Gobern. Norwood’s last Town goal came just over a year ago in the corresponding fixture.
Town are otherwise unchanged, ergo they are expected to line-up in the 4-2-3-1 formation that they utilised at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Goalkeeper Alex Smithies – Town’s only ever-present this season – will be protected by a back four of Joel Lynch, who turned 26 on Thursday; Anthony Gerrard, Captain Peter Clarke and Jazz Richards. Today’s game is the 500th appearance of skipper Clarke’s professional career.
In midfield Oliver Norwood will join former Watford man Jonathan Hogg, behind the more advanced trio of Danny Ward on the left, Adam Clayton through the middle and Adam Hammill on the right.
Top scorer James Vaughan makes his 50th Huddersfield Town appearance up front today.
Town’s team vs. Watford:
1. Alex Smithies
4. Oliver Norwood
5. Peter Clarke (c)
6. Jonathan Hogg
8. Adam Clayton
9. James Vaughan
11. Danny Ward
12. Adam Hammill
21. Jazz Richards
33. Joel Lynch
39. Anthony Gerrard
Substitutes:
Ian Bennett, Calum Woods, Sean Scannell, Oscar Gobern, Jonathan Stead, Martin Paterson, Duane Holmes
