Huddersfield have excellent infrastructure, more than good team for this level of competition, but always stay short for a one step. In my opinion, they’re in top 3 teams this season (beside Sheff.Wed. and S’ton) and maybe this time they can make a serious campaign for a direct promotion. The crucial thing there should be a good start. They hammered Notts County in the first round, 3-0 on the road and also away, defeated Carlisle in the Cup 1-0. At their home, Huddersfield don’t have a mercy. Last season, just one defeat in whole season (14 wins) and goal difference +30. Manager Lee Clark has no injury concerns and will probably name the same squad from the 1st round.
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Rovers are, in my opinion, main contenders for moving down. Last season were only one point above the line and had a terrible away record with just three wins out of 23 games (defeated were bottom sides Gillingham, Stockport and Wycombe) and scored only 15 goals (conceded 40)! WBA loan signing, Kayleden Brown, could have his debut, but defenders Broomes and Cathalina are out. Midfielders Taylor and Mahon are long term absentees. First round defeat, on the road vs. Oldham 1-2, probably announced a start of a season of struggling for the Rovers.
Huddersfield are far above today’s opponent and I could see a goal fiesta here. My only limitation is a possibility to take them easily, although Tranmere’s Cup win over Walsall calls on caution. But with any attitude, they should win this comfortably.
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Bet: Huddersfield -1ah
Odd: 1.81 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10