Everything you need to know ahead of Town vs Stoke City
- Preview ahead of Town vs Stoke City
- All the info on Michael O’Neill’s side
- Tickets still available for the game
Huddersfield Town welcome Stoke City on Wednesday 1 January 2020 in the Sky Bet Championship at the John Smith’s Stadium; 3pm kick off.
The Terriers go into Wednesday’s game off the back of a terrific 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
The Terriers came from behind to take all three point at the John Smith Stadium, with Jon Stanković and Steve Mounié finding the net in style.
Michael O’Neill’s side will be looking to go back to winning ways following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Fulham on Sunday.
This is the second time the two sides have met this season. They last met just two months ago, in October, when the Terriers travelled to the bet365 Stadium for their first win under Danny Cowley.
THE OPPOSITION
Ahead of Wednesday’s game, the Potters sit 21st in the Sky Bet Championship, just outside of the relegation zone.
Michael O’Neill’s side will be looking to change their away fortunes. They have only picked up seven points on their travels this season; winning two and drawing one.
The Potters had a similar start to the season to Town, and parted company with Nathan Jones at the beginning of November, hiring Michael O’Neill a week later.
Stoke City have gained 13 of their points under their new manager, proving there’s potential for them to fire up the Sky Bet Championship table before the end of the season.
ONES TO WATCH
Sam Clucas
The 29-year-old has been a mainstay of Stoke City’s First Team so far this season featuring in all 26 of the Potters games across all competitions. He’s also Stoke’s current top goal scorer this campaign, with six goals to his name.
James McClean
The Ireland international joined Stoke City on a four-year contract ahead of last season. He scored his first goal for Stoke on 25 August 2018 in a 2–0 win against Hull City. So far this season he’s started 18 times, scored four goals and provided four assists. Since the appointment of O’Neill, McClean has played higher up the pitch in his more familiar role as a winner.
Danny Batth
The centre-back signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Stoke City in January 2019. He made his debut against Hull City on 2 February 2019 and was given the captain’s armband in the absence of Ryan Shawcross. He’s made 22 appearances for Stoke so far this season, including 20 starts, and has scored two goals across all competitions.
TEAM NEWS - TOWN
Tommy Elphick (knee), Alex Pritchard (knee), Collin Quaner (hip) and Jonathan Hogg (hip) were all unavailable for the Blackburn game.
TEAM NEWS – STOKE
Peter Etebo (thigh) and Nathan Collins (back) didn’t feature against Fulham due to injury, but could make a return on Wednesday.
Ryan Shawcross pulled his thigh during the Fulham game, and so it’s likely he will also be unavailable.
TICKETS
Limited tickets are still on sale – CLICK HERE to get yours now and start 2020 in the best way possible!
KIT
Town will be wearing their famous blue-and-white stripes once again on Wednesday – CLICK HERE to buy yours ahead of the game!
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Supporters based in the UK and internationally can purchase a Match Pass for the game.
UK followers will be able to purchase the Match Pass for £10.
