A comprehensive look ahead at Town’s next Sky Bet Championship opponents
- Huddersfield Town vs Plymouth Argyle
- Town back home at the John Smith’s Stadium
- Saturday 13 January 2024; 3pm kick-off
Having faced each other at Home Park in the opening game of the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship campaign, the return fixture between Town and Plymouth signifies the start of the second half of the season for both.
Having seen off Town 3-1 in Devon, home form has been key for the Pilgrims, who have yet to win away this season. Champions of Sky Bet League One last season, they sit four points and three places above the Terriers before kick-off.
THE OPPOSITION
A period of change for the Devonian outfit, Stoke City’s successful pursuit of Steven Schumacher led Director of Football Neil Dewsnip to take temporary caretaker charge of the side, overseeing four games without victory. Having won three of their last 10 in the Sky Bet Championship, the stretch also includes four draws and three losses as they look to retain their league status in their first campaign back at this level.
Having made one signing this January transfer window, Plymouth have lost two of their major loan signings form the summer with Finn Azaz leaving to join Middlesbrough permanently and Luke Cundle joining Stoke City on loan. However, with a new man at the helm and desire to get their first away win of the season secured, Plymouth will be a determined side this weekend.
THEIR MANAGER
47-year-old Ian Foster will be taking charge of his first Sky Bet Championship fixture in charge of Plymouth against Town this weekend, having been in place for little over a week by the time the sides kick-off. A striker in his playing days for sides such as Hereford United, Barrow, Kidderminster Harries and Chester City, his coaching career began soon after he hung his boots up with the same side, taking over at Galway United.
Two years with Dundalk led to a period working within the FA’s coaching set-up, overseeing a variety of England’s youth sides from U18, U19 and U20 level. Winning the 2019 U19 European Championship while in charge of the side, his career has also seen him as an assistant for several sides, including England Women, Coventry City, Portsmouth and Al-Ettifaq before joining Plymouth.
LAST TIME OUT
Having played in the Emirates FA Cup last time out against Sutton United at home, their last Sky Bet Championship outing was against Watford on New Year’s Day which ended 3-3.
An up and down game, Watford took the lead before Plymouth turned the game on its head, but they were then pegged back twice by the visitors.
One of the most open games of the season to date, both sides had a combined 16 strikes on target, with 49 shots in total across the game.
Previous Starting XI: Hazard, Pleguezuelo, Scarr, Gibson; Kesler-Hayden, Houghton, Randell, Mumba; Azaz; Whittaker, Hardie
WHO TO WATCH
Bali Mumba
22-year-old pacey full-back Bali Mumba was a summer signing in 2023 after impressing on loan in Devon last season. Having come through the youth system at Sunderland before moving to Norwich City, he was a goalscorer against Town on the opening day of the season. A youth international with England from U16 to U19 level, Plymouth paid a significant fee for the wing-back to bring him back permanently.
Ashley Phillips
A new loan signing from Tottenham Hotspur, the central defender had been with Blackburn Rovers before making the move down south in the summer. Still just 18-years-old, he played at Wales at U16 level before joining England from U17 to U19 level. Already standing at 6’4, he’s an imposting figure in both boxes, and he’s likely to play having dropped down from the Premier League to gain further first team experience.
Morgan Whittaker
One of the signings of the summer in the Sky Bet Championship, swapping Swansea City for Plymouth Argyle has been amazing for Whittaker, who’s built on an impressive time on loan at Home Park last season. Now 23-years-old, he’s played for England from U16 to U20 level, using his 6’2 frame to play both through the middle and from the wing, with his pace and trickery one of his biggest assets. He’s scored 13 in 26 games in the league to date, giving him a one-in-two return.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Huddersfield Town Manager Darren Moore will speak to the press from the Millers Oils High Performance Complex tomorrow afternoon, Friday 12 January 2024. Streamed live across YouTube and our official Twitter/X channel, supporters will be able to watch along live as usual.
KIT
Back home in HD1 for the first time in 2024, the Terriers will be back in blue and white!
Still available in all sizes at our Club Shop and online, CLICK HERE to make on your own.
Having worn our home kit on the opening day of the season at Home Park, it is possible that Plymouth Argyle opt to wear their traditional green home kit, too.
TICKET NEWS
Supporters still have time to join us at the John Smith’s Stadium this Saturday!
With tickets available from as little as £15, you can either CLICK HERE to secure your seat online now or visit our ticket office during open hours.
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Our first Saturday 3pm kick-off of 2024, video match passes will not be available within the UK for this fixture, but may be possible to purchase if you’re watching from abroad.
Open to everyone unable to join us at the John Smith’s Stadium, audio match passes cost just £2.50 and provide you full interrupted match commentary and coverage.
CLICK HERE to find out more about iFollow HTAFC.
