It's all about the fighting zone for David Wagner as Huddersfield Town prepare to take on Ipswich Town.
By that the boss means the particular area of the pitch in which the opposition are most fiercely engaged.
Wagner was concerned by its absence in the first half at MK Dons, describing it as more of a “jogging zone”.
Town were unable to chalk up a third successive Championship win on Tuesday.
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But the nature of the 1-1 draw, achieved as it was with 10 men after that controversial red card for Philip Billing, meant the outcome still had a positive feel.
Wagner’s side, unusually sterile before the break as they went behind to Alex Revell’s header, actually looked more effective after going a man down, forcing a tweak the usual tactics and formation.
But it will be back to 4-2-3-1 and gegenpressing as normal against Mick McCarthy’s faltering and injury-hit team.
And it has served Town pretty well in most of their recent matches.
Up in the play-off places at the start of February, Ipswich have slipped to 10th after three straight defeats, to QPR, Bristol City and on Tuesday, Hull City.
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It’s four losses in five in the league, including the last three away from home, and five in six in all competitions.
“You can do whatever you want with stats,” says McCarthy ahead of his return to Yorkshire.
“We have lost three on the bounce but have to try and remain positive and get back at it.
“Some really important players have been out and that wasn’t such a bad performance against the league leaders (Hull).”
Town dropped to 16th after beig held at MK, but are 13 points above the drop zone.
Victory over Ipwich would not only bring another three points but also get their goal difference out of the red.
And it would be great to see Nahki Wells, on target in four out of Town’s last five games, to notch again.
That would put the top scorer, who showed his predatory instincts in levelling at stadium:mk, above last season’s tally of 14 with a further dozen games to come.
