MATCH PREVIEW: Huddersfield Town vs West Ham United

It’s currently 2-0 to the Irons on the season aggregate score but it’s likely to change as West Ham United travel away to Huddersfield Town where we square off against David Wagner’s Terriers. This is our Match Preview for Huddersfield Town vs West Ham United.

Formation and Starting XI:

Photo by Avril Husband/West Ham United via Getty Images

Tomorrow’s formation against the Terriers will be somewhat important as both teams look to turn this match into a thriller. West Ham United have often been rocking the 4-3-3, 3-4-3 or the decent 4-4-1-1, however I foresee a return to the 3-4-3 formation against the Terriers.

In goal, it’s really no surprise that I select Adrian for the position between the sticks. The Spaniard has been sensational in goal and has thoroughly commanded his box, making some iconic saves and keeping mistakes to a minimum. His performance against Manchester City was superb, and he’s well and truly reclaimed the starting position from Manchester City loanee Joe Hart.

My three center-halves will consist of Winston Reid, Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell. While Reid has received some harsh criticism of late, the New Zealander’s passion and determination has been somewhat enjoyable to watch. Declan Rice has come along way and his work rate has him touted as the next hottest defender in the footballing world. If the Irishman can keep his cool and works well for the club, he could have an incredible future with West Ham United. Aaron Cresswell’s performances of late have been fairly good, with the Englishman making more than one decent clearance while operating as a center-half. The full-back was thrown into this position, but has since made it his own, delivering some excellent runs towards the box, linking up well with Arthur Masuaku and has delivered some truly exceptional passes towards the right side of the park.

Out on the right wing-back position, Pablo Zabaleta makes his mark again, with the Argentinian making the essential runs back and forth as needed. Beside him, I’ve selected Josh Cullen to assume this position as the young lad could benefit from some game time against a struggling Huddersfield Town, two points above West Ham United on the table. Beside him, Manuel Lanzini pulls the creative strings from behind the striking players. Lanzini wasn’t included in the FA Cup match day squad as we took on Shrewsbury Town, but the Argentinian midfielder has made some incredible chances with the East Londoners throughout his time, and would be looking to continue his goalscoring abilities against Huddersfield. Roaming around in the left wing-back position, it’s Arthur Masuaku who has become a club icon following his performances over the last few games. Masuaku, 24, joined West Ham United last season and struggled, but has come a long way to the baller West Ham fans have come to know and love.

We look to our attackers now and on the right, I’ve decided to slip Martin Samuelsen in as Samuelsen has excelled in recent games for the U23 Development Squad. He’d be a good addition to the attacking front three as well, and with assistance from senior players, Samuelsen could be lethal in front of goal. On the left side, I’ve opted to drop Toni Martinez in this position. I know Martinez is more of a center forward, but hear me out. Martinez was given just over 15 minutes to make an impression against the Shrewsbury Town side, but despite being unable to net the goal, he did make a decent impression on Hammers fans. Is he worth taking a punt on against Huddersfield? I vote yes, especially with marksman Marko Arnautovic up top as the center forward. Arnautovic was also left out of the match day squad against Shrewsbury, but has managed to cap off a phenomenal December with a nomination for FIFA’s Player of the Month for his heroic antics. Will our Austrian center forward knock Huddersfield Town around? Maybe.

On the bench, we have Joe Hart, Reece Oxford, Dominigos Quina, Sead Haksabanovic, Moses Makasi, Andy Carroll and Chicharito.

Players to Watch: Aaron Mooy (HUD) and Marko Arnautovic (WHU)

Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

As a Kiwi, it’s a little difficult to commend Aussie sportsmen (the rivalry between New Zealand and Australia in sports is very fierce, you see), however the words I have for Aaron Mooy are rather good. Mooy, 27, has appeared 22 times for Huddersfield Town this season and has gifted them 4 goals to boot. Mooy has an explosive pace, great eye for the ball and is widely regarded as an Australian success story.

The Australian will no doubt be in good form for the Premier League match against West Ham United as the Aussie will look to battle the Kiwi in the fight to see who’s best this season. Should Huddersfield be relegated, Mooy will no doubt remain with the club as he’s definitely found his footing.

Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images

Marko Arnautovic has become a club cult hero scoring 5 goals in December, including one against his former club Stoke City, as well as notching an assist or two as well. Reaping in the praise, the Austrian will be looking to add to his antics again this month as he faces a good opponent in Huddersfield Town.

Missing the fixture at London Stadium through a suspension he picked up against Southampton, he’d be sure to pick up a goal against Huddersfield to continue his run of good form.

Score Predictions:

Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images

Only two points may separate West Ham United from Huddersfield at this stage, but it’s no surprise Huddersfield Town are beginning to struggle to find points at this stage in the competition.

Therefore, I feel the score will be 3-1 to West Ham United at full-time.