Huddersfield Town make the trip to Tamworth in the FA Cup first round on Friday evening looking to build on their improving form.
At a time when the Terriers sit in seventh position in the League One standings, Tamworth occupy 16th place in the National League table.
Match preview
© Imago
When Huddersfield lost four successive league fixtures earlier in the season, it is fair to say that Michael Duff had lost most of the good faith placed in him by the club's fanbase.
Although the level of opposition had to be taken into consideration, losing five times in six outings in total suggested that a three-game winning start was long forgotten.
However, Duff and his Terriers squad deserve credit for how they have bounced back, collecting 10 points from a possible 12 with the only share of the spoils a goalless draw at Wrexham.
Aside from Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield are the form team in the division over that period, now sitting just seven points adrift of leaders Birmingham City.
Furthermore, only four teams have conceded fewer than the 12 goals that Huddersfield have shipped in 13 games, highlighting the size of the task for their upcoming opponents.
From Tamworth's perspective, they will be delighted with how their first campaign back in the fifth tier is going, particularly after failing to win any of their first four games.
A total of 21 points have been now accumulated from 16 matches, creating an eight-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
On a negative note, Andy Peaks' side have failed to score in their last two outings, following a goalless draw at home to Yeovil Town with a 2-0 defeat at Southend United.
Nevertheless, having posted a 4-2 triumph over Macclesfield Town in the fourth qualifying round, it emphasised their ability to rise to the occasion at The Lamb Ground.
Fourteen points have been collected from eight games on familiar territory in the fifth tier, with their only defeats coming by one-goal margins to Hartlepool United and Altrincham.
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Although Tamworth were comfortably beaten at Southend last time out, they have had a week to prepare for this contest.
Dan Creaney and Chris Wreh have rotated regularly this season and are battling it out for the solitary place in attack.
Barring any fitness issues, that may prove to be the only position that Peaks is considering changing for this fixture.
While Lasse Sorensen remains absent for Huddersfield with a hamstring injury, Ollie Turton could return to the side having built up his fitness in recent weeks.
The defender may be recalled to the back three, while Jonathan Hogg and Rhys Healey are both options in midfield and attack, but Duff could opt against overly tinkering with his side.
Tamworth possible starting lineup:
Singh; Browne, Cullinane-Liburd, Hollis, Fairlamb; Enoru, Milnes, Tshikuna, Tonks, McGlinchey; Creaney
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Chapman; Pearson, Turton, Lonwijk; Hogg; Spencer, Wiles, Kane, Miller; Healey, Marshall
We say: Tamworth 1-3 Huddersfield Town
With Tamworth performing better than expected in the fifth tier, they will back themselves to earn at least a share of the spoils on Friday. However, we cannot see past Huddersfield producing a performance that is strong enough to earn a relatively comfortable win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
