A full in-depth preview of Huddersfield Town’s next Sky Bet Championship opposition
- Coventry City vs Huddersfield Town
- Monday 25 September; 8pm kick-off
- A look at what we can expect from our opposition
Darren Moore hasn’t had to wait long for his first game as Town Manager, with a trip to his native Midlands first up as Coventry City await on Monday evening.
Having taken over this week, the new coaching staff have had a couple of days to prepare their side for the Sky Blues, looking to build on a good atmosphere within the Club following three games without defeat.
THE OPPOSITION
Last season’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Finalists, Coventry have been proactive in the summer transfer window in an attempt to emulate or better their successful from the previous campaign. Nine players have been signed, eight new contracts have been signed and two players have been brought in on loan to offset 21 departures. Currently sat in 17th place in the division, Coventry have won just once this season, drawing four times and losing twice in seven games.
THEIR MANAGER
In his second spell as Coventry City boss having left on the first occasion to join Town, it’s been a successful reign for Mark Robins who remains the longest serving manager in the division. Back in charge since March 2017, he has steered Coventry back into the Sky Bet Championship from League Two and was a penalty shootout loss away from the Premier League last season, missing out in the Play-Off Final to Luton Town at Wembley. With well over 300 matches as Coventry manager under his belt, Robins has an overall win percentage of 39.4%.
LAST TIME OUT
Coventry had the long trip to the Welsh capital in midweek, taking on Cardiff City on Tuesday 19 September in what finished as a 3-2 defeat. Despite going behind inside the opening 10 minutes, the score was level at 1-1 at the break. The home side scored twice more, but Matt Godden’s second of the game in added time halved their deficit.
Last starting XI: Wilson; Latibeaudiere, McFadzean, Binks; van Ewijk, Eccles, Kelly, Dasilva; Palmer; Godden, Wright (3-4-2-1)
FORMATION
A settled side, Robins’ team are wedded to their 3-4-1-2 formation and have lined up in the same shape all season. With two established forwards on the field at all times and a dedicated attacking midfielder tucked in just behind them, it’s a top-heavy tactic that has lead to a number of high scoring encounters for the Sky Blues.
WHO TO WATCH
Matt Godden
32-year-old Godden has been with the Sky Blues since 2019 after signing from Peterborough United, scoring 47 times in 123 appearances so far – which includes a club high five goals in seven games this league season. Having been deployed as a winger earlier in the season, Godden is most natural in central areas as a traditional forward. 115 goals in 309 appearances shows a consistent return, and with the departure of Viktor Gyökeres in the summer his role up front has increased alongside his influence in the final third.
Joel Latibeaudiere
A summer arrival from Swansea City, the Jamaican international central defender has slotted straight into the back three at his new club. A dynamic defender with plenty of pace, he gives Coventry an outlet at the back and additional protection out wide when their wing backs have advanced. Still just seven games into his Coventry career following a free transfer in the summer, he made 79 appearances for the Swans before departing.
Kyle McFadzean
36-year-old McFadzean came through the ranks at Sheffield United in his youth, with stints at Alfreton Town, Crawley Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Burton Albion before eventually signing with Coventry in 2019. The longest he has spent with a single side in his career, McFadzean anchors the defence in the middle of the back three, building on his experience forged from 163 club appearances.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
A first game in charge for new Town Manager Darren Moore, our new boss spoke about his squad when he was introduced to the press alongside CEO Jake Edwards and Sporting Director Mark Cartwright earlier this week.
KIT
For the first time in the 2023/24 campaign, Town will wear our black third kit!
A competitive debut for the Umbro manufactured, Utilita Giving sponsored strip, supporters can find out more about the kit by CLICKING HERE and can make one your own via the HTAFC Shop online by CLICKING HERE.
TICKET NEWS
For full ticket and travel news ahead of our trip to the Coventry Building Society Arena, please CLICK HERE!
iFOLLOW HTAFC
If you’re unable to attend the game on Monday evening, you can listen along via iFollow HTAFC!
Purchase either a Monthly or an Audio Match Pass to tune in live - you can buy a Monthly Pass for £4.49 or an audio Match Pass for £2.50.
CLICK HERE to sign up to iFollow HTAFC!
SKY SPORTS
This fixture has been selected for exclusive live broadcast by Sky Sports, with full match coverage available on their channels. Supporters unable to join us with access to a Sky Sports subscription will be able to watch along from home.
