Match Preview | Huddersfield Town vs. Cardiff City
Mick McCarthy’s men travel to West Yorkshire on Friday evening, to take on Huddersfield Town.
The Bluebirds will face the Terriers at the John Smith’s Stadium on March 5th, kicking-off at 7:45pm.
How do I watch the match?
This match has been selected by host and international broadcasters, meaning that it won't be available on Cardiff City TV in the UK, Ireland or most international territories.
However, this match is available for streaming in several exempt countries, including Malaysia and many more.
Overseas Match Passes can be bought in exempt countries for just £7, with Season Passes also available.
Audio commentary will still be available to those with an International Pass.
Mick McCarthy signs new City deal!
One day prior to Friday's clash against the Terriers, it was announced that Cardiff City Manager Mick McCarthy had signed a new two year contract with the Club, keeping him in the Welsh capital until the Summer of 2023, alongside Assistant Manager Terry Connor.
Speaking to cardiffcityfc.co.uk on Thursday, Mick said: “TC and I have enjoyed every minute of the time we’ve had at this great club so far and we’re delighted to be staying. I’d like to thank Vincent for offering us the opportunity to do that.
“The players have responded to us over these past ten games in the manner we hoped they would, and it’s a pleasure working with them each day in training. Credit to them for the efforts they’ve put in so far and the results they’ve earned. They’re enjoying it and deservedly so. I’m very much looking forward to the future.”
Opposition Focus: Season so far
Having spent most of the season enjoying the comfort of mid-table, a recent dip in form has seen Huddersfield edge closer towards the relegation zone. The Terriers sit in 19th place coming into Friday evening’s fixture, but could slip down to 21st position if other results this weekend go against them. From their 34 Championship fixtures to date, Town have picked up ten wins and seven draws with 17 defeats, with a tally of 37 points putting them five clear of the drop zone.
Carlos Corberán was brought into the club in July, with the Terriers hoping to return to the Premier League after spending two seasons in the top flight between 2017 and 2019. However, after a steady start to the campaign, Town have endured a tricky beginning to the New Year, winning just one game in 2021. That victory came against Swansea City on February 20th, with Corberán’s side producing an excellent display to record an emphatic 4-1 win on home soil.
Since then, Huddersfield have lost two and drawn one of their Championship fixtures, scoring a single goal in the process. Town suffered consecutive defeats on their travels in quick succession, falling 2-0 to Derby County on February 23rd and 3-0 to Preston North End on February 27th. Last time out, the Terriers picked up an important point from a 1-1 home draw with Birmingham City, who sit two places beneath them in the league table.
Opposition Focus: Winter window
The Terriers were certainly busy in during the January transfer window, with a number of new recruits arriving at the John Smith’s Stadium. Town kicked off the month by signing two young forwards; Sorba Thomas joined from Boreham Wood, whilst Republic of Ireland U21 international Danny Grant made the move from Bohemian FC. A few days later, Carlos Corberán further enhanced his attacking options with the acquisition of Rolando Aarons on a permanent transfer from Newcastle United.
Huddersfield continued their winter spending with the purchase of two further players, both of whom were already well acquainted from their days at Derby County. American international Duane Holmes made the move directly from Pride Park to the John Smith’s Stadium on January 25th, six days after former Rams skipper Richard Keogh had signed for the Terriers. The 34-year-old had previously featured for MK Dons this term, and has made nine second tier appearances since arriving in West Yorkshire.
On Deadline Day, Corberán added Canadian international goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler to his ranks. The ex-Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers stopper, who left Fleetwood Town early in the window, will provide competition and cover for Ryan Schofield between the sticks. On February 24th, Town confirmed the arrival striker Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer; the former Arsenal man had been without a club since his release by Toulouse in July 2020.
Opposition Focus: Ones to watch
Fraizer Campbell has continued to show his prowess in front of goal this season, which will come as no surprise to the City faithful. The striker, who netted 16 goals during his stint in the Welsh capital, has been Huddersfield’s main attacking threat this term, with seven goals to his name across all competitions during the campaign. The 33-year-old is Town’s top scorer thus far, and found the back of the net during the Terriers’ recent draw with Birmingham City.
Isaac Mbenza has worked his way back into the starting eleven at the John Smith’s Stadium, having spent the second half of last season on loan with Amiens SC. The 24-year-old winger has started 25 of Town’s 34 league fixtures, with a healthy return of five goals and eight assists. A former Belgium U21 international, Mbenza has recently returned to the Huddersfield side after a short spell on the sidelines with injury, and will be looking to get back amongst the goals against the Bluebirds.
Naby Sarr arrived in West Yorkshire during the summer transfer window, joining the club from Charlton Athletic. A towering central defender, Sarr has made 27 starts for the Terriers this term, forming a solid partnership with January recruit Richard Keogh in recent weeks. The former France U21 man has also netted four goals during the campaign, including a match-winning brace against Blackburn Rovers back on December 29th.
