A comprehensive look at our upcoming West Yorkshire derby at the John Smith's Stadium
- Huddersfield Town vs Leeds United
- Saturday 2 March; 12.30pm kick-off at John Smith's Stadium
- An in-depth look at the West Yorkshire derby
André Breitenreiter takes charge for his first home game at the John Smith's Stadium as we face Leeds United in our upcoming West Yorkshire derby.
Winning their last three fixtures against Town, it was the Terriers who had left victorious in the previous three meetings before the 2019/20 season. Having met 44 times historically across all competitions, Town have recorded 32 wins ahead of Leeds' 30, with the two sides drawing 19 times overall.
Taking charge for not only his first home game, but his first West Yorkshire derby, Head Coach André Breitenreiter will be looking to build on last Saturday's win at Vicarage Road.
THE OPPOSITION
Following relegation from the Premier League last season, a 19th placed finish saw Leeds' three year stint in the top flight come to an end. Returning to the Sky Bet Championship under Daniel Farke, his side have enjoyed a successful campaign in the second division thus far.
Currently sitting in second position, Leeds are just six points behind leaders Leicester City as they look to make an immediate return to the top flight. Undefeated at home this season, and boasting a current unbeaten run of nine games, they have only dropped a total of 24 points throughout the entirety of their current campaign.
THEIR MANAGER
Perhaps best known for his time at Norwich City, 47-year-old Farke spent four years with the club following his departure from Borussia Dortmund II. Being crowned winner of the Sky Bet Championship on two occasions during his stint in Norfolk, the German coach was unable to maintain his side's Premier League status during both their seasons in the top flight.
Following a brief spell with Russian side Krasnodar in 2022, before a return to German football with Borussia Monchengladbach last year, Farke joined Leeds United last summer on a four-year contract.
Unbeaten in their last nine games, Farke continues to thrive in West Yorkshire, having only lost six games so far this campaign.
LAST TIME OUT
Winning eight games on the trot before Friday evening, Leeds continued their unbeaten run against top-of-the-table Leicester City - coming from behind to beat the Foxes 3-1.
Scoring twice in three minutes, a strike from Patrick Bamford in extra time put the game to bed and saw the Whites secure all three points at Elland Road.
Having enjoyed more of the ball yet fewer shots on target, Farke's side proved to be clinical in front of goal - a trait that has been evident throughout the season, helping them climb to second in the table.
Previous Starting XI: Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Gruev, Kamara; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville; Piroe (4-2-3-1)
FORMATION
Favouring the 4-2-3-1 formation, Farke has only deviated from this system on two occasions so far this season - playing 4-4-2 in a win away at Ipswich Town and again in a draw against Hull City.
With a solid midfield and a strong back four, the structure allows the Whites to press in the final third. Supported by two wingers, they often have one forward leading the line and a number 10 who can play as a supporting striker.
Able to rely on a solid defence, Leeds can sit deep whilst being able to capitalise on committing men forward and pushing their centre-backs higher should they need to.
WHO TO WATCH
Crysencio Summerville
Despite being sidelined on three occasions at the start of the season, Summerville has gone on to make 31 appearances for Leeds - scoring 15 times during this, and assisting on eight occasions.
The 22-year-old winger arrived in West Yorkshire from Feyenoord in September 2020 for an undisclosed fee, having spent the entirety of his two years with the Dutch club out on loan. Despite a drop in form towards the end of last season in the top flight, Summerville has since hit the ground running in the second division.
Georginio Rutter
Arriving from Hoffenheim last January for a club-record fee, the 21-year-old centre-forward has so far found the back of the net six times this season, assisting on thirteen occasions too - something he will be looking to build on this weekend.
Absent for only the opening fixture of Leeds' 2023/24 campaign, Rutter has flown since his side arrived in the Sky Bet Championship last season due to his ability to rotate between the lone striker position and a supporting role.
Ethan Ampadu
Signing permanently from Chelsea last summer, the Welsh international has undoubtedly made his mark in Beeston. Making the move from Exeter City to West London in 2017, the midfielder spent four years out on loan with a handful of clubs before arriving in West Yorkshire.
Playing every minute for his side so far this campaign, the 23-year-old has recently shifted from a defensive midfield position to become Leeds' chief ball-winning centre midfielder and more recently a centre back - highlighting a maturity beyond his years.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Head Coach André Breitenreiter will speak to the press on Thursday afternoon ahead of our upcoming Sky Bet Championship fixture with Leeds United.
Supporters can watch the full press conference live via our X account or via HTTV on Youtube.
KIT
Back at home on Saturday, André Breitenreiter's side take on Leeds United in our traditional blue and white stripes.
Still available in all sizes, CLICK HERE to get yours!
TICKET NEWS
You can still join us at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday - with tickets starting from £15 (plus booking fee).
For full ticket information, CLICK HERE.
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Selected for live broadcast by Sky Sports, this fixture will only be available to stream in selected overseas markets.
However, supporters can still access live match commentary via iFollow HTAFC with both season passes and match passes available for just £2.50.
To find out more about iFollow, please CLICK HERE.
SKY SPORTS
Supporters unable to join us in HD1 will be able to watch every kick of the West Yorkshire derby via Sky Sports, who have selected the fixture for exclusive live broadcast.
The match is available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football from noon on Saturday.
