Season Preview: Are Huddersfield well-equipped to avoid relegation?
Previous season
Huddersfield achieved the incredible feat of promotion with a penalty shootout win over Reading in the Championship Playoff final, despite an underwhelming end to the season that saw them win only one of their last five league matches of the regular season. Many did not anticipate the Terriers would secure a Premier League place 12 months, but they defied expectations, with David Wagner impressing at the John Smith’s Stadium. His decision to extend his contract at the club will serve as a huge boost ahead of their debut Premier League campaign.
A trip to Crystal Palace is far from the most daunting task for Huddersfield and offers them the ideal chance to ease into the rigours of Premier League football.
Transfer summary
Like Everton before them, Huddersfield have been busy in the transfer market, signing no fewer than 10 new players, two of which - Jonas Lossl and Kasey Palmer - have come in on loan. Steve Mounie is the club-record signing and having won more aerial duels (293) than any other player in Ligue 1 last season, he offers a direct attacking threat. Laurent Depoitre is another striking arrival, while Elias Kachunga, who made his loan move from Ingolstadt permanent, and Tom Ince improve Wagner’s wide options. Zanka offers Champions League experience, but the stand out capture comes in Aaron Mooy, whose has signed a permanent deal with the Terriers from Manchester City. With no notable outgoings, though Mark Hudson this week retired from the game to take up a coaching role at the club, Wagner has only strengthened the side that secured promotion.
One to watch - Aaron Mooy
Aaron Mooy is the key man in the Huddersfield midfield. The Australian is the heartbeat of the side having made the second most accurate passes (2557) and created the third most chances (96) in the Championship last season. The 26-year-old works tirelessly off the ball too having won possession in the midfield third more times (229) than any other player in England’s second tier last term and his influence in the middle of the park is crucial for the Terries in their bid to stave off relegation.
Predicted finish - 20th
A new Premier League team is always a breath of fresh air coming into the campaign, but having struggled on occasion in the Championship last term, it remains to be seen how Huddersfield deal with the challenges of regular Premier League football. It’ll be tough for Terriers and they could go straight back down this season.
