Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl has stated that his side need perhaps 25-26 points in the remaining games of the season to avoid relegation. To achieve this, the Terriers – who have picked up eleven in total from their first 25 games – will need to secure more than double that from half as many games. New coach Jan Siewert is highly-touted as someone who has great potential, but to effect that turnaround he’ll need a magic wand. He’ll also need to make a dent in the required total here, against an Arsenal side looking to get back on track.
The Gunners were, not so long ago, fifth in the table and knocking on the door of the Champions League spots. However, while Manchester United have had an exceptional run to overtake them, Unai Emery’s men have been treading water recently. They could really do with a comfortable win to blow some of the cobwebs away; there’s surely no better time to seek that out than with a visit to the league’s rock-bottom side.
Huddersfield Town vs Arsenal Prediction: Huddersfield Town 0-2 Arsenal
One thing that no-one can deny about Huddersfield Town is their ability to fight until the end. The Terriers have vast reserves of effort and teamwork, and they won’t roll over for anyone. However, they have the most cheaply-assembled squad in the Premier League and, more often than not, money talks. Not one player disgraced himself in last week’s 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea – but that’s the problem! Even if they give a decent account of themselves here, which they almost invariably do, it is unlikely to stop Arsenal winning with a bit to spare.
Our recommended tip: Arsenal win to nil
In some ways, this is a big call. The Gunners have not kept a single clean sheet on their travels in the league this season – Emery is still looking for his perfect defensive formula. However, Huddersfield have scored a total of 13 goals in their 25 games so far – so maybe the perfect defensive formula is to play against the Terriers each week. With Arsenal likely to call on loanee Denis Suarez from the start here, their attack will have more balance and should be able to overcome the hosts’ doughty defence – while matters at the other end should take care of themselves. Ladbrokes are offering 17/10 on Arsenal to win to nil – pretty generous, under the circumstances.
Previous matches
The signs aren’t positive for Siewert and co. coming into this game – since Huddersfield gained promotion in 2017, they have lost all three “Herbert Chapman derby” matches, and done so without hitting the net once. Arsenal scored five in the first of those matches, while the two more recent ones have ended 1-0 each time. Most recently, earlier this season at the Emirates Stadium, it took a late Lucas Torreira strike to separate the sides. Huddersfield’s best hope is clearly to try and smother their opponents, and hopefully hit on the counter-attack; the chances of it working for 90 minutes, however, are still remote.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: Philip Billing & Denis Suarez
If Huddersfield are to spoil this game sufficiently to get a point or more, they’ll need their midfield to hassle and harry the visitors from first whistle to last. In that endeavour, they couldn’t ask for a more willing combatant than Danish midfielder Billing. Resolute in the tackle and a solid reader of play, he’ll also get forward when possible to support the attack – and his two goals this season have shown he can strike a ball when he gets the chance. He certainly won’t be hiding away this afternoon.
The winter transfer window came with suggestions of a defender or two to plug the holes that just keep appearing at the back for Arsenal. That need has been quietly shelved until the summer, and the main business in Islington saw the arrival from Barcelona of Suarez. Denis, that is. Not Luis. The Spanish midfielder is a typical schemer in the Iniesta school, a smart passer, and if he can find a pocket or two of space here it could spell trouble for Huddersfield.
