Huddersfield Town v Reading FC (FA Cup Third Round): Match Preview

Huddersfield Town FC

Form (all comps): WDWLW

Huddersfield are likely to give a debut to new loan signing James Husband after the full-back joined from Middlesbrough on Friday. Town boss David Wagner has no new injury concerns and is not expected to make many changes from the team that beat Bolton last week.

Huddersfield Town fans have taken kindly to their new manager, German David Wagner. After the final whistle and following their two nil victory over bottom of the table Bolton, Town fans could be heard chanting "David Wagner, he's better than Klopp". Wagner and Klopp are close friends and worked together at Borussia Dortmund, now both are plying their trade in England albeit at different levels. Wagner was the first foreign manager in Huddersfield’s history and therefore presents a change in tact from the Terriers hierarchy. Although results haven’t come immediately, taking three games to get his first win, Wagner has changed their style of play with preference for having the ball, keeping it and building attacks from the back. When Wagner came in his side only had three wins to their name, eight weeks later they now have seven and come into this FA Cup tie with a new identity and a renewed sense of belief.

Reading FC

Form (all comps): WLLWL

Reading top scorer Nick Blackman joined Derby earlier in the week and his place could be taken by Simon Cox. Cox returned from a loan spell at Bristol City last Sunday.

In a week where Reading got their second win in Brian McDermott’s second tenure it was a disappointment if not a surprise that they lost top scorer Nick Blackman to second-placed Derby County. With the Striker out of contract in the summer the club decided to cash in on an asset that has provided much of the attacking flair and goals which have kept Reading in the mid-table positions this season. Blackman was also the man that kick started The Royals run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup last season, scoring the only goal in a one nil victory over this afternoon’s opponents. Reading have had some special moments in the FA Cup and you would think a good run in the cup is just what Reading need this season.

Huddersfield (v Bolton): J. Steer, M. Hudson, J. Lynch, T. Smith, B. Chilwell, S. Scannell (J. Paterson 46), J. Hogg, N. Wells, E. Huws (M. Cranie 88), H. Bunn (M. Carayol 85), J. Lolley.

Reading (v Bristol City): Ali Al Habsi, A. Taylor (H. Robson-Kanu 73) P. McShane (A. Ferdinand 31), C. Gunter, J. Cooper, S. Quinn, D. Williams, O. Norwood, O. Sa, (G. McCleary 57) N. Blackman, M. Vydra

Last Five Meetings

03 Nov 2015: Reading 2-2 Huddersfield Town (League Championship)

24 Feb 2015: Huddersfield Town 3-0 Reading (League Championship)

03 Jan 2015: Huddersfield Town 0-1 Reading (FA Cup)

19 Aug 2014: Reading 1-2 Huddersfield Town (League Championship)

29 Mar 2014: Reading 1-1 Huddersfield Town (League Championship)

Head To Head

Reading v Huddersfield: W:22 D:10 L:13

YouTube History

Prediction

Huddersfield Town FC 0-0 Reading FC