With Huddersfield spending so long in the bottom three and in last spot, there has been scope for the Huddersfield hierarchy making a decision to have a change of heart over Mark Fotheringham.
However, every so often, the Terriers are coming up with victories against the odds, the latest occasion occurring on Boxing Day as they came from behind to earn a 2-1 win at Preston North End.
Fotheringham now has 15 points from his 14 matches in charge, and although Huddersfield are still five points adrift of safety, a win on Thursday would catapult the club right back into the mix to avoid relegation.
Huddersfield have failed to score in their last three fixtures at the John Smith’s Stadium, but it has now been 12 games since they conceded more than twice in a single game home or away.
That shows that foundations have been laid under Fotheringham, who will feel that a better return in the final third will lead to his side making headway up the table.
At one stage, it appeared that fellow Yorkshire side Rotherham would have different ambitions to a team who have gone from 2022 playoff finalists to favourites to be relegated.
However, the Millers have now won just once in 10 games, not helped by twice letting slip a lead versus Stoke City on Boxing Day before posting a 2-2 draw.
While Matt Taylor may have accepted a share of the spoils before the game, it was a disappointing outcome, and Rotherham have now conceded eight times in three outings.
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With Huddersfield possessing the opportunity to move within two points of his side in the table, Taylor is well aware of the importance of this fixture, one which could make or break their campaign even at this relatively early stage.
Fotheringham will give consideration to naming the same Huddersfield XI, despite Brahima Diarra coming off the substitutes’ bench to help instigate the turnaround at Preston.If the 19-year-
old was handed just a third start of the season, either Jack Rudoni or Duane Holmes would likely drop down to the substitutes’ bench.Etienne Camara may also be considered for a return to central midfield if Fotheringham wants to introduce fresh legs.
