Huddersfield Town

Town is yet to win in a Yorkshire Derby this season, but Chris wants that run to end when Town travels to Hillsborough on Saturday.

“It will be nice for us to change our Yorkshire derby fortunes in our final one,” Powell told htafc.com. 

 

“We have pride in our county and area and it would be nice to have that win over the Easter period. We have one more game to try and get a win in a Yorkshire derby and we will be looking to do that.”

After a disappointing result at home to Fulham before the international break, Powell believes that his side will start to get the right results:

“We know we need a few results and to buck our trend. Our performances have turned around somewhat, but ultimately you’re judged on results. (Fulham Manager) Kit Symons said that between the 2nd minute and the 96th minute there was only one team in our last game, but what counts is the number next to your name in the result.

“I would take an ugly performance to get three points. We need to keep that positivity, but we need to grind out some results. It’s that time of the year where I could talk about performances, but it’s about results now.” 

Earlier this season, Town drew 0-0 with Sheffield Wednesday in a game that both sides had chances to win and Powell predicts that Saturday’s game will be similarly competitive.

Chris continued: “It was a game that we had clear cut chances in and they had a shots that hit the bar and the post as well. I’m sure it will be very similar and there will be a lot of passion between the two teams and the fans as well. We will have to be right up for it and get going from the first whistle.

“On the pitch that they have there, it will be quite a tough game; it will be quite direct. It’ll be a tough game for us. 

“We’re up against a side that has got results and picked up points here or there and that’s why they’re in the position they’re in. We haven’t done that enough this year, but there’s still time for us to do that.”

After the international break, Powell gave an injury update on the players in the Club:

“Harry Bunn won’t be available and it’s a real shame. He’s been a very good player for us this season - our second top goal scorer - but he has had one or two knocks that he hasn’t been able to shift and he’s a big loss. He has been a player that has not only scored goals, but created them and has enjoyed a very good first full season in his professional career. I was hoping he would be back for the game on Monday, but at best it’ll be the Nottingham Forest match.

“Jake (Charles) has come back from international duty with a thigh injury. He’s been doing some light training so it’s not as serious as first feared, but I don’t think he will be anywhere near the group for the Easter period.”

On Jonathan Hogg (hamstring), Powell explained:

“It’s been a strange year for Jonathan. He’s been very good for us, but he has picked up some strains here and there and we haven’t been able to get a good run out of him. That’s a shame because he’s a key player in respect to what he does for the team. We miss him when he doesn’t play, but we have to soldier on when he’s not available. I doubt we will see him over the Easter period and it’s a shame.”

New boy Reece James is in line for a possible debut on Saturday, with Powell commenting:

“Reece has come in and has really impressed in training. He looks like he wants to prove to myself and everyone here that he’s capable at this level. 

“He’s young, but sometimes you have to give these guys a chance. He knows what the Championship is about and now he’s got an opportunity - seven games - to prove to us and Manchester United that he’s good enough. 

“Reece is a good talker and learner. I’ve deliberately made sure he’s been tested by the likes of Sean Scannell and Joe Lolley and he’s done ok, so if he continues to do that in games then he will be fine. He’s someone I feel will grow and develop in our environment and let’s hope the seven games are good for him and good for us.”