With trips to Reading and Luton Town, Mark Fotheringham’s opening two games as Huddersfield Town head coach were never going to be easy, and so it proved as the Terriers collected just one point.
Nevertheless, despite the 3-1 reverse at the former, Huddersfield responded by claiming a 3-3 draw from a losing position against the Hatters earlier this week.
While it should also be noted that the Yorkshire outfit also twice led at Kenilworth Road, a strong second half ensured that they did not lose successive matches under the Scot.
In the short term, Fotheringham will be taking one fixture at a time, but he is also aware that Huddersfield must make inroads into the four-point gap to safety as soon as possible.
Although clean sheets remain in short supply, Huddersfield have at least gotten on the scoresheet in their most recent four outings, which feels like something that they can build upon ahead of facing opponents who have struggled in defence.
With talks to appoint Pedro Martins as the club’s new head coach having broken down, Andy Dawson appears in line to remain in caretaker charge for this game.
On the back of the comeback 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic in midweek, it feels like a blessing in disguise as the Tigers attempt to make progress up the table.
Hull had previously lost five successive matches, contributing to the dismissal of Shota Arveladze, and a change in direction was desperately required if they were to retain ambitions of making the playoffs.
Despite being as many points above the relegation zone as they are to the top six, Hull will be placing more focus on moving upwards.
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Oscar Estupinan took his tally for the season to eight goals with the winner against the Latics on Wednesday night.
Fotheringham is expected to make at least two changes to his Huddersfield XI, one enforced with David Kasumu serving a one-match ban for his dismissal against Luton.
Defender Luke Mbete is also likely to miss out, with Oliver Turton and Jack Rudoniseemingly most likely to be included in the starting lineup.
