A full in-depth preview of Huddersfield Town’s next Sky Bet Championship opponent.
- Birmingham City vs Huddersfield Town
- Tuesday 3 October 2023, 7.45pm kick-off
- A look at what we can expect from our opposition
Town take their five-match unbeaten streak into a game in England’s second city on Tuesday evening, traveling to St. Andrew’s to take on hosts Birmingham City.
Having started the season like a house on fire, the Blues will be looking to get back to winning ways themselves on home soil and cement their place in the top half of the Sky Bet Championship.
This will be the penultimate game of the current set of fixtures before the October international break, with Town looking for a first win under new boss Darren Moore after two encouraging draws to start his tenure.
THE OPPOSITION
Much like Town, our midweek hosts come into the season under new American ownership. Whereas Kevin Nagle completed his takeover the Terriers, it was Tom Wagner’s Shelby Companies Ltd that took over at St. Andrew’s in July.
They came into the season with real momentum. After an opening day draw at Swansea City, the Blues won their next four games against Cheltenham in the Carabao Cup and Leeds United, Bristol City, and Plymouth Argyle in the Championship to be amid the front-runners in the division.
They lost to Cardiff City in the next stage of the Carabao Cup; one of four defeats and two draws in their last six games coming into Tuesday’s fixture.
THEIR MANAGER
John Eustace succeeded Lee Bowyer as manager at Birmingham City in July 2022, having previously managed Kidderminster Harriers and been on the coaching staff at Queens Park Rangers and the Republic of Ireland national team.
Prior to hanging up his boots, he was a talented central midfield player for the likes of Watford, Coventry City, Stoke City and Derby County.
His first victory as Blues manager came at home to Town in August 2022 and he eventually led City to a comfortable 17th placed finish in the division, level on points with the Terriers but with a superior goal difference.
LAST TIME OUT
Birmingham City lost 2-0 at Norwich City on Saturday, with quickfire goals from Gabriel Sara and Jonathan Rowe in three second half minutes condemning them to defeat.
Koji Miyoshi came closest to getting Birmingham back in the game when he hit the crossbar in reply, but that defeat pushed the side back down to 12th in the table.
Boss John Eustace told BBC WM:
"We had a chance to go one up after the break before they had scored and then the manner with which we conceded the two goals was very disappointing.
"But nobody misses chances on purpose and we just have to keep on believing.
"We didn't deserve to lose at Watford and Preston and should have beaten QPR in our last home game.
"We were up against a top team, with top players, who will probably finish in the top two or three this season and that needs to be taken into account."
FORMATION
Eustace has deployed his side in a 4-2-3-1 shape this season, shuffling his pack slightly of late to cover for several injuries.
An injury to left back David Buchanan led to a chance for Emmanuel Longelo to play on Saturday, whilst the sitting midfield duo of Krystian Bielik and Ivan Šunjić allowing the attacking quartet ahead of them to test the opposition.
Fulham loanee Jay Stansfield has played through the middle for the majority of the season but played on the left wing to start Saturday’s game. Myoshi and Oliver Burke completed that trio behind striker Scott Hogan.
Last league starting XI (4-2-3-1):
John Ruddy; Cody Drameh, Dion Sanderson, Kevin Long, Emmanuel Longelo; Krystian Bielik, Ivan Šunjić; Oliver Burke, Koji Miyoshi, Jay Stansfield; Scott Hogan
WHO TO WATCH
Kevin Long
Now 33, centre back Long has played every second of Sky Bet Championship action for the Blues so far this season.
Born in Cork, the Republic of Ireland international started his career with Cork City before moving to England to join Burnley in 2010. He made over 70 appearances for the Clarets over the next 13 years, spending a lot of time out on loans with the likes of Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Portsmouth, Barnsley, and Milton Keynes Dons.
He moved to St. Andrew’s in January 2023 and signed a new contract in the summer.
Krystian Bielik
Poland international Bielik finally joined Birmingham City on a permanent basis in 2023, having previously enjoyed two spells on loan at the club.
A holding midfielder who can play at centre back, he moved to England to join Arsenal in 2015, having started his career in his native land with Legia Warsaw. He never made a Premier League appearance for the Gunners, however, instead spending time on loan at Birmingham, Walsall and Charlton Athletic.
He joined Derby County permanently in 2019, but suffered two serious knee injuries that kept him sidelined for some time during his time at the Rams.
Following their relegation, he joined Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee this summer.
Jay Stansfield
England Under-20 international Stansfield joined the club on a season-long loan from Premier League team Fulham in the summer, amid much interest from many other Sky Bet Championship clubs.
He started his career in Exeter City’s Academy but was snapped up by Fulham as a 16-year-old. He’s made a handful of appearances for his parent club, but most of his football came on loan at his old club Exeter last season, excelling in League One.
He’s capable of playing up front or in any of the three positions behind the main forward.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Town Manager Darren Moore discussed our team news at his pre-match press conference, which you can see below on HTTV!
KIT
The Terriers will be in their acid lime away kit on Tuesday night – click HERE to buy yours online now!
TICKET NEWS
For full ticket news, please CLICK HERE!
iFOLLOW HTAFC
If you’re unable to attend the game on Tuesday evening, you can watch and listen along via iFollow HTAFC!
A single match pass for the games is just £10, and supporters will be able to stream the full 90 minutes of action for that price.
Town fans will also be able to listen to the game through our live audio commentary by purchasing either a Monthly or an Audio Match Pass to tune in live. You can purchase a Monthly Pass for £4.49 or an audio Match Pass for £2.50.
CLICK HERE to sign up to iFollow HTAFC!
