Huddersfield Town will look to show their powers of recovery against Rotherham United this weekend as manager Chris Powell looks for a response to the desperately disappointing defeats at Charlton Athletic and Brentford.

Town moved into the top half with a 3-0 win over Reading prior to the back-to-back losses but are now looking nervously over their shoulder once more ahead of a key contest against the Millers.

Steve Evans' men could close to within two points of their hosts with victory at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday but, by the same token, the Terriers could potentially move some 14 points clear of the bottom three with a win of their own.

Here are the three battles which could decide the meeting between the two teams as Town look to avoid losing three consecutive league games for the first time this season.

Jonathan Hogg v Danny Ward

Jonathan Hogg v Danny Ward

The combative midfielder has returned from a thigh injury but has been unable to have the desired effect on Chris Powell's starting XI, with Town exposed far too easily in midweek.

He was one of many who struggled to cope with the speed and movement in Brentford's attack as Town collapsed after the interval, but he is sure to be involved for what is sure to be a feisty Yorkshire derby.

And David Edgar's poor performances could well lead to him being dropped from the starting XI, so Hogg's presence as the midfield anchor will be crucial to Town's hopes.

He has been deployed too far forward when in a pairing with Jacob Butterfield but he will be doubly determined to foul this weekend's visitors and a familiar face in Ward, who is beginning to show signs that he can flourish with regular football.

The wideman played at No.10 just off of Matt Derbyshire in the 3-1 home defeat to Cardiff City on Tuesday and will most likely be in a similar position again looking to pick up pockets of space in front of the Huddersfield back four, so it would not be a surprise to see Conor Coady restored as part of a midfield three to counter the Millers.

Jacob Butterfield v Paul Green

Jacob Butterfield v Paul Green

He may not have experienced his best games in the blue and white stripes during their consecutive London trips, but Butterfield showed the spirit and courage few others did in trying to drive Town forward.

Against Charlton he struggled with the concept of Harry Bunn playing in front of him as it hindered what he is best at, finding space and picking a pass.

He was forced deeper as a result, whereas at Brentford he put in an improved showing and some of the balls he played into the forwards ought to have been capitalised on.

The midfield schemer comes face-to-face with a player built in a similar mould in Green, who will look to dictate the tempo of the game and provides a steely midfield barrier alongside the tenacious Richard Smallwood.

There have been few players more consistent than Green this term in the Millers' squad with only two players having featured higher in each respective category of goals scored, assists and appearances.

Ishmael Miller v Kari Arnason

Ishmael Miller v Kari Arnason

Checks will be made on the condition of Nahki Wells ahead of the game, but if he is not fit to take his place in the starting XI, Town's January loan signing must come into contention.

James Vaughan cut a forlorn figure up front for Town against the Bees and was easily snuffed out by central defensive duo James Tarkowski and Liam Moore, proving he is more adept at playing with a partner.

Miller has brought out some of the best qualities in Vaughan when they have been paired together as the latter is able to concentrate on runs off the ball rather than solely spearheading the side.

Powell may hold reservations, though, after they failed to sparkle at Charlton as a duo, but the presence of 6ft 3in Arnason may convince him that Miller's physical frame will be required.

Arason has been one of the most consistent players so far this term for Steve Evans' side with his rugged defensive style, but has been unable to stem a tide of four defeats from the last six, which has seen the Millers concede 17 in that time and 53 overall in 2014/2015, rivalling Town's rearguard as one of the worst in the division.