PREVIEW: Huddersfield Town vs Sunderland - How to watch, stat pack and referee
Sunderland are back on the road this week as they make the relatively short trip to the John Smith’s Stadium, to take on relegation fighting Huddersfield Town.
Michael Beale's men are starting to build some momentum after a tough January, but they will face an in-form opposition at The John Smith's Stadium.
So, here's everything you need to know.
The Opposition
Huddersfield are currently 21st in the league, with 31 points from 31 games, from 6 wins, 13 draws and 12 defeats. The Terriers are in form having only lost one of their last five games with three 1-1 draws against Plymouth, Blackburn and QPR, and a 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Even their loss was reasonably impressive, with them edged out in a 5-3 thriller away to Southampton.
The Gaffer
There’s another new face in the dugout for the Terriers after Darren Moore’s sacking on the 29th January,
Jon Worthington has stepped in as caretaker until a new manager is appointed, and he is definitely impressing.
During his playing career, Worthington played as a midfielder. He was at Huddersfield Town from the age of nine until he left the club at the end of the 2008-09 season at the age of 26.
He also played for Yeovil, Oldham, Bradford, Mansfield and Halifax.
Worthington made his return to Huddersfield at the beginning of the 2014-15 season, initially as the academy physio.
Four years later he was promoted to the Under-17s coach, and 12 months later he was promoted to Under-19s coach.
In January 2021 he took charge of the B Team, before being named interim manager in January this year. So, he has certainly worked his way through the ranks at the club.
The Squad
Huddersfield added some much-needed fire power to their ranks during the January transfer window. That was certainly need with the current strike force having a combined goal tally of just two.
Bojan Radulovic and Rhys Healey coming in from Finnish side HJK Helsinki and Watford respectively were brought in along with highly rated youngster Alex Matos on loan from Chelsea.
Jack Rudoni and Sorba Thomas will be two players to look out for, offering a mix of pace and creativity.
Meanwhile, centre-back Michal Helik will also be a big danger. He is the Terries top scorer with seven goals this season. With his 6’3 frame, he will be one watch from set-pieces.
Earlier This Season
Huddersfield achieved a smash a grab victory when they played Sunderland at the Stadium of Light earlier on in the season.
Michal Helik opened the scoring not long before the half hour mark, before Luke O’Nien found the back of the next from a well worked set piece five-minutes before half time.
On-loan winger Dezano Burgzorg put Huddersfield back in front with a cool finish into the bottom corner in the second half and, despite plenty of chances, Sunderland couldn’t find a way past Chris Maxwell in the Huddersfield net.
Who is the referee for Huddersfield v Sunderland?
Gavin Ward is the referee for the game between Huddersfield and Sunderland at the John Smith’s Stadium, although he has not always been a good omen for the Black Cats.
Last season, Ward sent off Elliot Embleton at Hull (with him leaving on a stretcher with a broken leg) and awarded a last-minute penalty to Bristol City at the Stadium of Light, although the decision was absolutely the correct one.
Ward has officiated 15 Championship games so far this season, but only one of them involved Sunderland – the 2-1 home win over Rotherham in August.
He will be assisted by Lee Venamore and David Harrison, with Sam Allison taking Fourth Official duties.
The Game in Numbers
5 – Sunderland are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions at the John Smith’s stadium.
13 – Huddersfield have drawn the most matches in the EFL Championship this season with 13.
19,341 – The attendance at the John Smith’s stadium when Sunderland last played there back in November 2022.
Huddersfield vs Sunderland stat pack
As per the EFL official website:
- Huddersfield Town are looking to complete a league double over Sunderland for the first time since the 1960-61 season.
- Sunderland are unbeaten in their last five away league games against Huddersfield (W3 D2) since losing 2-0 in March 1986.
- Huddersfield recorded their biggest home league win since August 2021 in their last such game against Sheffield Wednesday (4-0); the Terriers last won successive home league matches in May of last season.
- After picking up 10 points in their first five away league games of the season (W3 D1 L1), Sunderland have attained just seven points in their last 10 league games on their travels (W1 D4 L5).
- Jack Clarke has been involved in four goals in his last four away league appearances for Sunderland (3 goals, 1 assist), and remains the only player in the Championship so far this season with at least 10 goals away from home (11).
How to watch Huddersfield vs Sunderland
Since it is a midweek game, it will be broadcast via the red button on Sky Sports. Be aware, though, that there won't be multi-camera coverage with that method.
For international viewers, or those with a VPN, the game can also be accessed through SAFC Live. You can buy a pass via the official website.
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