David Wagner believes Huddersfield Town’s latest Championship game at Brentford has the potential to be the most entertaining of his tenure to date.
The head coach will pit his wits against new Bees boss Dean Smith chasing a third win in his sixth game at the helm.
Former Walsall manager Smith has had a win, a draw and a defeat (3-2 at Cardiff City on Tuesday) to date.
“We will meet a good team who like to play football,” said Wagner, whose side won 2-0 at home to Rotherham United last time out.
“They are able to score goals, but also sometimes have problems in defence, which we will try to exploit. I think it will be a good game.
“One key point will be which team can disturb more of the ideas of the other team.
“We have to make sure it is uncomfortable for our pponents, that it is not fun to play against us. Our fighting zone has to be right.”
Wagner will make late decisions on versatile defender Martin Cranie (thigh) and midfielder Emyr Huws (hamstring).
Both missed the Rotherham game after featuring in last Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Bristol City.
Wagner was happy to bounce back with a three-point haul against the Millers thanks to goals by Mustapha Carayol and Ishmael Miller.
But he warned there will be no resting on laurels ahead of a key period in the campaign.
“Winning games makes life easier, but we keep going just the same,” he added.
“We always work the same way, because the more you do the better you get. It’s the same in every job.
“We are taking steps in the right direction because of the work we are putting in.”
Brentford v Huddersfield Town
Wagner says he won’t hesitate to use substitutes early.
He made three changes by the hour mark against Bristol City and two against Rotherham and explained: “Substitutes are a big part of our system.
“We have good quality and versatility in our squad and it’s perfect to give fresh, positive energy from the bench.
“I can go full throttle from the beginning because if the tank is empty, someone can come on and help.”
Brentford skipper Jake Bidwell says bouncing back from two down before conceding a late winner at Cardiff showed character.
“We didn’t start great. Two-nil down, to then get ourselves back to 2-2 and end up with nothing is disappointing,” said the left-back.
“But we can take a few positives from the second-half performance.
“We weren’t great in the first half but we bounced back and performed.”
