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Once all the presents have been unwrapped, all the crackers have been pulled and Aunty Maud has gone home, everyone's minds will switch to Boxing Day football and all the festivities surrounding it. Fortunately the drinkers among us won't have to worry about an early morning coach trip as Town play host to high-flying Tranmere Rovers at the McAlpine. Terrier fans will be hoping that our Merseyside counterparts have received everything they want from Santa Claus, especially since many of them will walk through the car park!

Anyway, after achieving our fifth victory of the season in the last match at the McAlpine, Mick Wadsworth and his men will be hoping to bounce back from last Saturday's respectable defeat. Perhaps unlucky to leave the JJB empty handed, Town will be praying for a little bit of Christmas magic to finally come their way.

However, Wadsworth will have a few injury problems. With Nathan Clarke, Gareth Evans and Chris Holland failing to get fit, Town will probably rely on the defence of Eddie Youds, Adie Moses and defender turn striker Nat Brown, yet again. Furthermore, Andy Booth looks to be another doubt as he failed to complete the Wigan game after suffering another leg injury. Additionally, attackers John Thorrington and Paul Macari still look out of favour as the gaffer prefers to unleash youngsters Paul Scott and Jonathan Worthington.

Regardless, our Lancashire opponents have a poor track record on the road with seven losses to their name and a concession of 23 goals (which is the second highest away against goals tally, behind Mansfield Town). While our lads have scored 12 and conceded 11 in front of their home fans.

Nevertheless, last Saturday Tranmere were held to a 2-2 draw by Town's fellow strugglers Notts County, whereas a week earlier they thumped Northampton 4-0 at the Sixfields Stadium. The terriers last league game was a respectable 1-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders Wigan Athletic, while the last McAlpine outing was a well earned 2-1 win over Stockport County.

Loaded with cold turkey sandwiches and various chocolate bars from numerous selection boxes, I will take my seat alongside the Town faithful, with us all hoping to extend our Christmas celebrations with another much needed victory. Hopefully Phill will be there to produce another conscientious match report for you all to unwrap in due course.


Andy's Prediction:
Hopefully the players won't be too stuffed on Christmas pudding and turkey to run, otherwise this 3-0 to Town prediction might not be accurate. Steve Jenkins is due a goal, but so are so many other Town players, therefore I predict Jenkins, Brown and Schofield all to grab one goal each (not necessarily in that order).


Previous Meeting:
Monday, 26th August 2002:
Tranmere Rovers 1 vs 0 Huddersfield Town (Division 2 match)


Tranmere's One to Watch:
Kevin Gray
Match-winner the last time the sides met, this strong defender won't be a stranger to any McAlpine regulars. He should be solid in defence and dangerous from corner routines and free-kick manoeuvres.


Probable Town Line-up:

[Formation: 3-5-2]
1. Scott Bevan (goalkeeper)
20. Steve Jenkins (right-wing-back)
22. Kevin Sharpe (left-wing-back)
5. Adie Moses (centre-half)
17. Eddie Youds (centre-half)
27. Nat Brown (centre-half)
7. Danny Schofield (inside-right midfield)
8. Kenny Irons (central midfield)
14. Jon Stead (centre forward)
13. Lee Ashcroft (centre forward)
19. Martin Smith (inside-left-midfield)

Substitutes:
35. Phil Senior (goalkeeper)
28. Paul Scott (central midfield)
29. Jonathan Worthington (central midfield)
10. John Thorrington (left midfield)
31. Paul Macari (centre forward)