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Huddersfield Town vs Arsenal: 09/02/2019 – match preview and predicted starting XIs

Huddersfield Town vs Arsenal 

Date: 09/02/2019

K/O: 15:00

Venue: John Smith Stadium 

Referee: Jonathan Moss

A defeated Huddersfield take on an embarrassed Arsenal on Saturday as both sides look to bounce back following convincing defeats last time out.

Both the Terriers and the Gunners have new managers who have little experience in the Premier League, with this fixture only Jan Siewert’s second in the league; whilst Unai Emery has had all season to try recover from Wenger’s departure. However, it is no secret that both clubs have been a shadow of their former selves; after an up and down spell of form Arsenal sit in sixth and look likely to remain in the Europa League spots for the remainder of the season while Huddersfield are floating further adrift with every game –  clinging on at the bottom they are now 13 points from safety and look almost certainties to be relegated.

Last time out Arsenal were beaten easily by champions Manchester City at the Etihad. Emery’s side looked constantly vulnerable at the back as Aguero took advantage of the Gunners shaky defence and netted his eleventh hat-trick for the club. Following their demolition at Anfield six games ago, the Arsenal defence did improve and only conceded twice in their next four fixtures and while they beat Chelsea 2-0 back in January, they then shipped three goals to both Manchester clubs as they succumbed to 3-1 defeats in the FA Cup and the league.

For Huddersfield, they were simply out-classed last weekend. A mesmerising Chelsea side swept them away easily, winning five-nil at Stamford Bridge. The defeat wasn’t down to a lack of ability in the Town team, it just came down to Chelsea having an extremely elite squad, which for any team is a nightmare to play against.



If the Terriers were to take anything away from the game, it would of been the first ten minutes. They managed to nullify Chelsea’s attack and create a couple of decent chances – one of which Aaron Mooy should really have scored. Coming into this weekends game, Siewert will be hoping that his side are able to replicate the positive start that his side made last week.

There’s not a lot to say about Huddersfield though, other than they have to start winning games. Town have lost their last three games making it 18 defeats in 25 games this season. A remarkably poor tally for a side with so much potential. In the Terriers last five games, they have conceded a staggering total of 11 goals, which simply isn’t good enough to compete in the English top flight. The introduction of Jan Siewert has come at a difficult time, giving his first two games in charge were against Chelsea and now Arsenal – it would require something incredible for Siewert’s side to take something away from Arsenal on Saturday – let alone think about avoiding relegation.

A strike force of Aubameyang and Lacazette will be licking their lips coming into this game. The ever impressive duo have really started to blossom in recent weeks. Aubameyang individually has a convincing 15 goals and six assists to his name this season while his strike partner Lacazette is also having a fantastic season with nine goals and eight assists so far. Considering this is Aubameyang’s first season in the Premier League, he and Lacazette look a real force to be reckoned with and it will be a real task for any defensive outlet to keep them at bay – even more so for poorest defence in the league.

Team News

Arsenal’s defensive injury crisis continues with numerous players still out of the squad injured. Hector Bellerin will be sidelined for some time after recently completing an operation on his ACL. Sokratis Papastathopolous is also unlivable for Emery with an ankle injury following last weeks loss. Shkodran Mustafi is likely to miss out on the trip to Yorkshire with a back injury obtained against City and youngster, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is another defender who is sidelined as he is still recovering from a knee injury.

Granit Xhaka is a doubt in midfield, as the Swiss has an ongoing groin issue. Long term absentee Danny Welbeck has an ankle problem and Rob Holding (ACL) will remain out for some time for the Gunners.

Chris Lowe could feature against the Gunners after missing out last week with an illness; similarly, Jonathon Hogg may return after missing out with a back injury. Isaac Mbenza is ruled out until late March after picking up a calf injury against Chelsea last week.



Danny Williams who is yet to start for the Terriers edges closer to a return from a long term injury – he may return late into February. Sabiri will most likely miss out due to a lack of match fitness.

Predicted Starting XIs

Huddersfield Town (4-3-3): Lössl; Smith, Schindler, Kongolo, Lowe; Mooy, Billing, Bacuna; Diakhaby, Mounie, Kachunga

Arsenal (3-4-1-2): Leno; Lichtsteiner, Koscielny, Monreal; Kolasinac, Torreira, Guendouzi, Iwobi; Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette

Score Prediction: Huddersfield Town 1 Arsenal 2

Arsenal look shaky at the back, and given their numerous defensive injuries I back Town to nick a goal. However, it is hard to see any other result than an Arsenal win. The Gunners attacking impetus is impressive and will most likely be too much for the Terriers, but I predict the hosts will give it a good go.

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