Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City. Premier League.
The John Smith's StadiumAttendance24,190.
Huddersfield host City live on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday from 12.30pm
Sunday 20 January 2019 12:23, UK
Huddersfield's caretaker-boss Mark Hudson has refused to look beyond Sunday's visit of Manchester City.
Hudson, 36, was promoted from his role as the club's U23s manager to take temporary charge following David Wagner's departure earlier this week.
The former Terriers captain, handed his coaching role by Wagner in January 2018, paid tribute to the German and would not be drawn on his own future.
When asked if he would like to stay in the role for the rest of the season, Hudson said: "I can't think beyond this Sunday. It's quite a big game.
"It's one to look forward to for sure, so I'll be focusing on that. If we get a result it will be for the players and the club and that would be fantastic."
Hudson also insisted the Terriers' Premier League survival fight is not a lost cause, even though they are bottom of the table and eight points adrift of safety.
"Without belief there's no point being in this industry," he added. "I thoroughly believe in the players and what they've got, that we can pose a threat to teams."
As for the visitors this weekend, this game looks like coming too soon for City's injured left-back Benjamin Mendy.
France international Mendy, signed from Monaco for £49.1m in 2017, has missed large spells of both seasons he has been at the club with knee problems.
However, the 24-year-old appears to be scheduled to return to action by the end of January.
City boss Pep Guardiola said: "He is closer, but not this weekend.
"He has had his third or fourth training session with the team. It is going well. Now it's time to get his best condition."
Jason Puncheon, signed on loan from Crystal Palace earlier this month, is expected to make his home debut for Huddersfield, while Hudson must decide whether or not to recall Terence Kongolo and Isaac Mbenza to the starting line-up.
Midfield trio Aaron Mooy, Danny Williams (both knee) and Abedelhamid Sabiri (collarbone) all remain sidelined.
City, meanwhile, have no fresh injuries or suspensions ahead of the trip to the John Smith's Stadium.
Captain Vincent Kompany is close to returning after a muscular problem and, apart from Mendy, goalkeeper Claudio Bravo (Achilles) is the only other major absentee.
Will there be enough light bulbs in the scoreboard? Deary me. This could be any score you want.
Huddersfield have written this game off by sacking David Wagner in the week and announcing the new boss after this game. They've got no manager, are in horrendous form and staring at relegation. The players will be all over the place emotionally too.
If City put their foot down then this could be a major boost for their goal difference. City made Wolves look ordinary - what are they going to do to Huddersfield?
I'll go 5-0 and I'm being kind.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-5 (18/1 with Sky Bet)
