Big Match Breakdown: Huddersfield Town v Fulham

Odds and preview of Monday night Prem clash

It’s a must-win game for both sides at John Smith’s Stadium tonight, as Huddersfield Town host Fulham in a crucial clash.

These sides currently occupy the Premier League’s bottom two spots. 19th-placed Fulham have the division’s leakiest defence, while Huddersfield are the lowest scorers.

Something has to give in West Yorkshire. And ahead of this basement battle, we go in-depth with another Big Match Breakdown…

Head-to-Head

It’s neck and neck over history between these sides. Both have managed 25 wins in this fixture, with 16 draws in the mix.

However, it’s a long time since Huddersfield beat Fulham. The Terriers haven’t triumphed against the Cottagers since 1993, with Fulham winning seven and drawing four of the last 11 clashes.

The most recent meetings came in the 2016-17 season, with the West London outfit routing their opponents 5-0 and 4-1.

Likely XIs

David Wagner is yet to find a winning formula – in any sense – this season. But he’s leaned towards a 3-5-2 in recent home games.

Against a leaky Fulham side, they’re likely to play a front two of Laurent Depoitre and last season’s top scorer Steve Mounie. Out wide, it’s likely to be a duo of Erik Durm and Florent Hadergjonaj supplying the crosses.

Two of the visitors’ three wins in all competitions this term have come playing a 4-3-3 system. Captain Kevin McDonald tends to sit deep in that midfield three, and could be flanked here by Jean Michael Seri and Tom Cairney.