The Big Match Preview: Huddersfield vs. Derby

The Rams make the short trip to Yorkshire to face Simon Grayson's Huddersfield Town following the international break.

Last time out, Derby swept aside Watford, scoring five goals in the process, but The Terriers will provide a much sterner test.

They sit level on points with The Rams, a good start following promotion from League One, and will certainly have enough to stay in the division on the evidence of their performances so far.

Town boss Grayson is satisfied with his team's preparation ahead of the Derby clash: 'We have had a good break and the players have taken time off to recharge their batteries and recover from little niggles that they may have been suffering with,' he told htafc.com.

'I`m glad that the international boys have come back in one piece and we have been able to get a good week`s build up in ahead of the Derby game with the other lads. The break has allowed us to take stock of the whole situation and we are now ready for a tough game at the weekend.'

Summer signings Joel Lynch and Sean Scannell are struggling with injury and could be replaced in the starting eleven by Calum Woods and fellow new-boy Adam Hammill.

Although striker Novak's record of 31 goals in 113 league games is, on the face of it, not too impressive, the former Gateshead man is a real danger and he was the perfect foil for former Town striker Jordan Rhodes.

Huddersfield Town fans will be hoping he can step up to the plate following Rhodes' £8m move to Blackburn Rovers.

Paul Coutts may miss out on the trip o Yorkshire after missing much of the week's training through illness.

Youngster Mason Bennett is out with a thigh strain but dependable full-back Gareth Robert has recovered from a hamstring tweak.

So impressive against Watford, he could be the new Steve Howard.

Especially judging by the way he outmuscled his opponent to score a delightful first Derby goal.

Derby's last matches:

Sheffield Wednesday (h) 2-2

Bolton Wanderers (a) 0-2

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) 1-1

Watford (h) 5-1


Huddersfield's last matches:

Cardiff City (a) 0-1

Nottingham Forest (h) 1-1

Burnley (h) 2-0

Ipswich Town (a) 2-2

Derby vs. Charlton, Tue 18th September 2012, 19:45, nPower Championship

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