Preview: Huddersfield Town vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

Huddersfield Town play host to Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon holding a four-point advantage over their Yorkshire rivals.

However, the visitors have three games in hand on their fifth-placed opponents, upping the stakes ahead of the Championship fixture at the John Smith's Stadium.

Match preview

© Reuters

Having put together a 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, any criticism directed at Huddersfield is perhaps unjustified, but Carlos Corberan cannot be overly pleased with their recent form.

Four draws have been posted in their last six Championship fixtures, three of which were in matches that they would have expected to win, while they were fortunate to earn a share of the spoils against Preston North End in midweek.

The Terriers were indebted to the performance of goalkeeper Lee Nicholls as they claimed a goalless draw at Deepdale, but it ensured that Huddersfield remain within four points of third-placed Blackburn Rovers.

However, the chasing pack, all with matches in hand, are now closing on Huddersfield, and it is imperative that they get another three points on the board as soon as possible.

While Huddersfield head into this fixture with the fifth-best home record in the division, they are facing opponents in Sheffield United who possess the fourth-best return on their travels.

© Reuters

Some Blades supporters would have questioned the decision to hand Paul Heckingbottom a second stint in the Bramall Lane dugout, but there can be no denying that it has proven to be an inspired decision.

Recent wins over Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion means that Sheffield United have accumulated 22 points from nine games under Heckingbottom, the best return in the division over that period.

Conceding just seven times during that run will satisfy Heckingbottom, but netting twice in five successive Championship fixtures has ultimately been the difference maker.

Billy Sharp's double against the Baggies on Wednesday night took his tally for the campaign to 11 strikes, the veteran having a total of 17 contributions in the final third.

Although Sheffield United remain down in 10th spot, they are just one point behind the playoff spots with a game in hand, and some of their rivals will be becoming increasingly concerned that they could become a factor in the automatic promotion race.

Team News

© Reuters

Despite the quick turnaround, Corberan is unlikely to make too many changes to his Huddersfield XI.

Josh Koroma may get the nod over Daniel Sinani or Duane Holmes, while Carel Eiting is pushing for his first start since returning to the club.

The likes of Pipa, Levi Colwill and Tino Anjorin are again expected to be absent from the squad due to injury.

Having made alterations in midweek, Sheffield United boss Heckingbottom may hand a recall to midfielder Sander Berge.

The front three could stay the same, leaving Morgan Gibbs-White to make do with a spot on the substitutes' bench, while George Baldock will hope to retain his spot at left wing-back.

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Nicholls; Turton, Pearson, Lees; Thomas, Hogg, O'Brien, Toffolo; Sinani, Koroma; Ward

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Bogle, Norwood, Berge, Baldock; Ndiaye, McGoldrick; Sharp

We say: Huddersfield Town 1-2 Sheffield United

A derby between two in-form teams throws up all kinds of possibilities, and we can see nothing but a competitive encounter playing out in Yorkshire. Nevertheless, the Blades have the greater momentum, something which could help them push for all three points during the closing stages.

Previews by email