A comprehensive look at Huddersfield Town’s upcoming Sky Bet Championship opponents
- Watford vs Huddersfield Town
- Saturday 24 February 2024; 3pm
- An in-depth look at our fixture with Watford
André Breitenreiter takes charge of his first Town game on Saturday when the Terriers head to Watford.
Our new German Head Coach takes the side to Vicarage Road looking to get off to a positive start as the Sky Bet Championship campaign plays out its final third.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
It was a goalless tie at the John Smith's Stadium last November when Valérien Ismaël's side paid a visit to West Yorkshire.
Meeting just 35 times in all competitions, only six games have ended in a tie between the Terriers and the Hornets in over 50 years of games - with our most recent fixture being the first stalemate between the two since a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road in 1999.
Having not won at home since November, Watford will be keen to build on last weekend's win to claim all three points against André Breitenreiter's Town.
THE OPPOSITION
Since their relegation from the top flight at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, Watford appointed three managers before the arrival of their current Head Coach.
Parting company with Caretaker boss Roy Hodgson in 2022, Rob Edwards was soon announced as his successor, followed by Slaven Bilić just four months later, and finally Chris Wilder in March 2023 before Valérien Ismaël took charge.
Hopeful of returning to the Premier League, Ismaël was appointed in the summer of last year - being handed a contract extension last October whilst in 20th position at the time of signing.
Now sat in 11th place in the table, the Hornets have won 11, drawn 11, and lost 11 to amass 44 points so far this season, leaving them 10 points ahead of Town.
THEIR MANAGER
French coach and former centre-half Valérien Ismaël joined Watford in 2023, following a successful career across Europe. Representing Strasbourg, Crystal Palace, Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich amongst others, he played over 300 games before retiring in 2009.
First coaching Hannover 96 II in 2011, Ismaël initially trained in Germany, Greece and Austria, before arriving in South Yorkshire as Head Coach of Barnsley ten years later. Leading the Tykes to the Play-Off Semi-Finals, the French coach left the following summer to join fellow Sky Bet Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
Departing the Midlands for Turkish side Besiktas in 2022, Ismaël returned to England last summer with Watford.
LAST TIME OUT
Travelling to South Yorkshire on Saturday, Watford walked away with all three points following a 58th minute winner from midfielder Yáser Asprilla.
With their one shot on target making the difference last weekend, Ismaël's Hornets currently sit 11th in the table with 44 points under their belt so far this campaign.
Previous Starting XI: Hamer; Lewis, Hoedt, Pollock, Dele-Bashiru; Sierralta; Sema, Koné, Kayembe, Asprilla; Rajović (4-1-4-1)
FORMATION
Lining up in a 4-3-3 attacking formation in all but one of their first 20 fixtures in all competitions, Watford have since favoured a 4-1-4-1 system, including in their most recent fixture against Rotherham United.
Blessed with a talented midfield, including pace in the wide areas, Ismaël has built on this area since the start of the season to capitalise on squad strengths and commit as many bodies forward as possible.
With a solid back four providing a foundation from which to play, Watford can easily adapt and rotate within games to provide support in areas when needed, whether that be strengthening the back line or supporting an often sole forward.
WHO TO WATCH
Yáser Asprilla
Joining the Hornets in 2022, the 20-year-old Colombian international has featured in all but two of his side's fixtures this season. Scoring six and assisting four in 31 games, Asprilla has found the back of the net in both of his last two appearances for Watford, taking his overall total to seven goals and seven assists in his 73 games for the side so far.
Wesley Hoedt
Playing every minute for his side so far this campaign, the Dutch centre-back is a key component of Watford's back four. Joining the Hornets from Anderlecht in January last year, the 29-year-old boasts plenty of experience in both England and Europe. Having scored twice and assisted once this season, the left-footed defender will be looking to get himself back on the scoresheet as soon as possible.
Matheus Martins
Currently on loan from Udinese since January 2023, the Brazilian forward had previously been with Fluminense before moving to Serie A. Missing only three of Watford's fixtures during the 2023/24 campaign, Martins has assisted twice and scored on five occasions, including on his debut against QPR last May. Able to operate anywhere across the front three, the striker's most natural position is off the left, cutting back inside onto his stronger right foot.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Huddersfield Town Head Coach André Breienweiter spoke to the press for the first time on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship fixture with Watford.
Supporters can listen back to the full press conference on HTTV or HTAFC Sounds below.
KIT
The Terriers remain in blue and white this weekend as André Breitenreiter's side take on Watford at Vicarage Road.
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iFOLLOW HTAFC
For supporters who are unable to join us on Saturday, Audio Match Passes are available at £2.50 each for full live coverage of the game.
Video match passes are unavailable in the United Kingdom due to the Saturday 3pm broadcast blackout.
CLICK HERE to to book yours.
