Preview: Huddersfield Town vs. Hull City - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the visitors, who are also due to appoint a new manager, occupy 17th position in the standings courtesy of their much-needed win in midweek.

Match preview

With trips to Reading and Luton Town, Mark Fotheringham's opening two games as Huddersfield Town head coach were never going to be easy, and so it proved as the Terriers collected just one point.

Nevertheless, despite the 3-1 reverse at the former, Huddersfield responded by claiming a 3-3 draw from a losing position against the Hatters earlier this week.

While it should also be noted that the Yorkshire outfit also twice led at Kenilworth Road, a strong second half ensured that they did not lose successive matches under the Scot.

In the short term, Fotheringham will be taking one fixture at a time, but he is also aware that Huddersfield must make inroads into the four-point gap to safety as soon as possible.

Although clean sheets remain in short supply, Huddersfield have at least gotten on the scoresheet in their most recent four outings, which feels like something that they can build upon ahead of facing opponents who have struggled in defence.

With talks to appoint Pedro Martins as the club's new head coach having broken down, Andy Dawson appears in line to remain in caretaker charge for this game.

On the back of the comeback 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic in midweek, it feels like a blessing in disguise as the Tigers attempt to make progress up the table.

Hull had previously lost five successive matches, contributing to the dismissal of Shota Arveladze, and a change in direction was desperately required if they were to retain ambitions of making the playoffs.

Despite being as many points above the relegation zone as they are to the top six, Hull will be placing more focus on moving upwards.

Oscar Estupinan took his tally for the season to eight goals with the winner against the Latics on Wednesday night.

Huddersfield Town Championship form:

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Hull City Championship form:

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Team News

Fotheringham is expected to make at least two changes to his Huddersfield XI, one enforced with David Kasumu serving a one-match ban for his dismissal against Luton.

Defender Luke Mbete is also likely to miss out, with Oliver Turton and Jack Rudoni seemingly most likely to be included in the starting lineup.

Jonathan Hogg would have been considered for a return in midfield but the long-serving player is currently dealing with a calf injury.

Fewer changes are expected to be made to the Hull side, particularly given the length of their injury list.

Greg Docherty and Ryan Longman are both pushing for recalls, but Chelsea loanee Harvey Vale is likely to remain absent with a groin issue.

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:

Nicholls; Lees, Helik, Turton; Thomas, Rudoni, Camara, Jackson; Holmes; Rhodes, Ward

Hull City possible starting lineup:

Baxter; Coyle, Jones, Greaves, Elder; Slater, Tufan; Christie, Pelkas, Sinik; Estupinan

We say: Huddersfield Town 1-1 Hull City

Fotheringham knows that his first home game cannot end in defeat, while Hull will also be conscious of giving hope to a team who may emerge as rivals later in the season. With that in mind, we anticipate a highly-competitive draw at the John Smith's Stadium, a result which would not really suit either club.

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