After a break for international duty, it is back to Premier League action and full steam ahead to the end of the season. With Huddersfield visiting South London this weekend, TEB had a chat with the guys at Bleed Blue And White on the season so far and thoughts ahead of the game.
Q. What did you make of the game at the Kirklees Stadium earlier in the season?
If I remember rightly, we were the better team that day, but as usual, we could not find the back of the net. Wilfried Zaha’s bit of quality was the difference between the two sides.
Q. It has not been a great season for the Terriers, but was this expected and what is general feeling about the pending return back to the Championship?
I think everyone thought it would be difficult to repeat the heroics of last season, however, I don’t think anyone expected us to have quite such a low amount of points. That said, fans are generally looking forward to another crack at Championship promotion, having gained plenty of wealth in our two years in the Premier League.
Q. Was it the right deicison to part ways with David Wagner after doing so much for the club?
I don’t think it was the a club decision, and who knows where we would be if Wagner had stayed, but all good things have to come to an end. The club has to move forward.
Q. Tell us a little about Jan Siewert and how he has done since taking over?
Siewert occupied the same job as Wagner as Borussia Dortmund II coach. He is younger, and although results have been poor, he has tried to play a more attacking style, and blood younger academy players.
Q. Who has been the stand out Huddersfield player this season?
Until a couple of months ago, I would have said Philip Billing, but his head seems to have been turned, and performances have dwindled. Young Karlan Grant only came in from Charlton Athletic during the January transfer window, but looks like a top class striker, something that we have needed for some time.
Q. Did Huddersfield do the business they needed to in the transfer window? How has Jason Puncheon done and which position needs desparate attention in the summer?
The fact we were almost already down in January stopped us from doing any real business in the window. Puncheon started okay, filling the role left by Aaron Mooy, but a high-profile fall out with Siewert has not seen him feature much recently.
Q. If you could pick one Palace player for Huddersfield to sign in the summer, who would it be and why?
In a dreamland, every club wouldn’t mind Zaha, or Aaron Wan-Bissaka in their team. More realistically, Bakary Sako is out of contract in the summer and could do a job for us in the Championship.
Q. Name a player from each side that you believe will be a threat in this game?
Karlan Grant for us, Wilfred Zaha for Palace if he is fit to play.
Q. Perhaps you could share your opinions on Palace this season?
I think Palace have done about what was expected of them, and a Roy Hodgson team. I think they should have enough to stay up.
Q. Your prediction?
3-1 Palace.
