Prediction: Huddersfield vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City Win and Over 2.5 Goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmakers: William Hill

Newly promoted Huddersfield, who have already cemented their position as a mid table side under manager David Wagner, host league leaders Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. The Citizens are in scintillating form and have been tearing teams apart on a weekly basis, so this will present the home side with their toughest test of the season so far. If the Terriers can stand up to the steamrolling offensive force that Pep Guardiola’s side has become it will be a hugely impressive feat.

Huddersfield 

David Wagner’s side surprised everyone with a sensational start to the season, losing just once in their opening six games. Since then however they have lost four of the next six, including last weekend’s 4-0 humiliation away at Bournemouth. Inconsistency has plagued their recent showings, and this is highlighted best by their shock 2-1 home win over Manchester United, followed directly by a 3-0 drubbing at Anfield against Liverpool. Despite their apparent ability to beat anyone on their day, it will take somewhat of a miracle for Huddersfield to end Manchester City’s hot streak.

While the Terriers sit in what looks like a comfortable 10^th position in the Premier League table, they are actually just five points above the relegation zone. With this game representing the start of a tough run of fixtures, Wagner will need his team to find some consistency as they head towards the hectic Christmas schedule. A big defeat against City could knock the players’ confidence, so they will look to keep it tight at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Team News

Central defender Christopher Schindler is available after serving his suspension, and he will likely slot back into the defence for this game. Midfielder Jonathan Hogg could also make his return.

Long-term absentees Jon Stankovic, Phillip Billing and Michael Hefele all remain out, and likely won’t return until 2018.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s men are on track for a record-breaking season, having already scored 40 goals in just 12 league games. What is even more impressive is that the Citizens aren’t relying on one or two players for their goals, with four City players featuring in the top eight of the Premier League’s goal scoring charts. They have quite simply torn teams apart, ripping holes in defences week after week, all while conceding just seven times themselves. City are yet to lose a game, and they have already breezed past Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

There are a few cracks appearing in the Manchester club’s defence however, and John Stones recently joined left back Benjamin Mendy on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. These absences will test City’s squad depth, but at the rate they are scoring goals they can afford to concede one or two here and there. It is an exciting time for English teams in the Champions League, with three or four sides capable of making it deep into the competition, and Guardiola’s side perhaps have the best chance to win it all. This weekend however they concern themselves with Huddersfield, and it is difficult to see them tripping up here.

Team News

Regular starter John Stones is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, and the defender will likely be replaced by Nicolas Otamendi. Left back Benjamin Mendy remains sidelined for the long term.

Guardiola’s rotation policy means that one of Gabriel Jesus or Sergio Aguero could start on the bench for this game.

Key Factors to Consider

• Huddersfield have conceded 17 goals in 12 Premier League games this season.
• The Terriers have also found the back of the net just eight times so far.
• Manchester City meanwhile are the highest scoring team in the league with 40 goals.
• The Citizens also have the second best defensive record, having conceded just seven times.
• Four of the top eight goal scorers in the Premier League so far are City players.

Conclusion

Huddersfield’s form has been inconsistent in the past few weeks, and that fact alone is enough to suggest that this could be a long afternoon for their fans. Manchester City are frighteningly good this season and they are almost nailed on to score three or more goals in this fixture, which should hand them a fairly routine victory.

Verdict: Manchester City Win and Over 2.5 Goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmakers: William Hill