A full in-depth preview of Huddersfield Town’s next Sky Bet Championship opponent.
- Huddersfield Town vs Ipswich Town
- Saturday 30 September 2023; 3pm kick-off
- A look at what we can expect from our opposition
Darren Moore’s first home game as Manager of Huddersfield Town comes on Saturday when the Terriers host high-flying Ipswich Town in the latest Sky Bet Championship game of the season.
Moore will be hoping to build on our recent good run of form, which includes his first game in charge when we came from behind to secure a point at Coventry City in midweek.
However, it will be tough going against an Ipswich Town side riding the momentum of promotion in impressive style so far this season.
THE OPPOSITION
Ipswich Town are enjoying their first season back in the Sky Bet Championship after finishing second in Sky Bet League One last season, finishing the job as part of an amazingly high-quality and tight promotion race with eventual champions Plymouth Argyle and Darren Moore’s Sheffield Wednesday.
Much of the credit is given to their Manager, Kieran McKenna, and the amazing job he did at steering the Tractor Boys back to the second tier in his first senior job.
They’ve rode the crest of that wave in magnificent fashion so far this season, recording seven wins from their first eight Championship fixtures to sit second in the division ahead of Saturday’s game.
THEIR MANAGER
Kieran McKenna was appointed Ipswich Town Manager in December 2021, departing his coaching role at Manchester United to do so.
Before his work with the Red Devils, he worked in the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, having had his own promising player career cut short by injury at just 22.
The Northern Irishman oversaw an immediate upturn in form at the club, with their defensive record being very impressive, but it wasn’t quite enough for them to reach the Play-Offs in 2021/22.
They improved again last season, finishing second to gain automatic promotion on the back of a 19-match unbeaten run.
LAST TIME OUT
Their last game came in midweek, when they came from behind to stun Premier League side Wolves to progress in the Carabao Cup courtesy of a 2-1 home win at Portman Road.
However, we’ll focus on their previous Championship game – a dramatic 4-3 home victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Ipswich have had some high scoring games recently, and this was no different. Having taken a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Harry Clarke, Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst, the visitors rallied to make it 3-3 before Massimo Luongo scored the game’s decisive goal in the 79th minute to secure another three-point haul.
They now have six straight wins in all competitions, with 10 wins and just one defeat to Leeds United across the season.
FORMATION
McKenna has deployed Ipswich in a 4-2-3-1 shape all season, with impressive goalkeeper Václav Hladký behind a consistent, largely young, and energetic back four.
Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo offer an experienced and solid holding midfield duo, allowing the likes of the dangerous Conor Chaplin and Nathan Broadhead to focus on their attacking duties. That said, Egyptian international Morsy - their captain - will be missing against Town having now picked up five yellow cards this season.
Up front, George Hirst offers an inviting target.
Last league starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Václav Hladký; Harry Clarke, Luke Woolfenden, Cameron Burgess, Leif Davis; Sam Morsy, Massimo Luongo; Wes Burns, Conor Chaplin, Nathan Broadhead; George Hirst
WHO TO WATCH
Václav Hladký
Now 32, the 6; 4” tall Czech goalkeeper has enjoyed a very impressive start to the season.
Having started his career in his native country, Hladký first moved to these shores to join Scottish side St Mirren in January 2019. He made himself an instant hero north of the border, saving three penalties in a relegation Play-Off match to keep his team in the Scottish Premiership.
He left as a free agent in the summer of 2020 to join Sky Bet League Two side Salford City, where he won the EFL Trophy and was named in the divisional Team of the Year.
That preceded a move to Ipswich Town in 2021, where he’s excelled since.
Conor Chaplin
A regular goalscorer wherever he has been, Chaplin plays just off target striker George Hirst and already has three goals and two assists in the league this season.
A product of the Portsmouth Academy, he was named 2015 League Two Apprentice of the Year before helping his club win the League Two title.
Chaplin spent a short spell at Coventry City before moving to Sky Bet Championship Barnsley, and then last season he earned the Sky Bet League One Golden Boot award as well as a spot in the Team of the Season with 26 league goals.
Nathan Broadhead
Former Everton Academy man Broadhead, 25, had loan spells with Burton Albion, Sunderland, and Wigan Athletic before making a permanent move to Ipswich for a reported £1.5 million in January 2023.
Broadhead, who plays on the left of the three behind the striker, has been capped by Wales, scoring once so far.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Town Manager Darren Moore will discuss our team news at his pre-match press conference, which is scheduled for 1.30pm on Friday.
KIT
The Terriers will be in their home kit this weekend – 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, 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!
