Leeds v Huddersfield Town: Antenucci v Hudson and more Key Battles

Huddersfield Town fans are desperate to finally see a win against Leeds - a first since October 2013.

From the team that started that day, only Joel Lynch and Duane Holmes will be in contention for Saturday's XI under David Wagner.

Here are three key battles that will help determine where the game is won, and lost, at Elland Road.

Mirco Antenucci v Mark Hudson

Typically, Leeds United striker Mirco Antenucci has hit form just in time to face Town. Four goals in his last three games is as many as the Italian notched in his previous 28 appearances combined this season.

In fact, he only has a total of nine goals to his name this term as a whole, but will come into this weekend rich in confidence and with an eye on adding to his tally against a Town back line that has conceded six goals in the last three matches.

Joel Lynch has missed that trio of games, although he was an unused sub against Burnley, and regardless of whether he is named in the starting XI at Elland Road it is likely to be skipper Mark Hudson charged with keeping Antenucci from plundering more goals.

However, it was a central defensive duo of Hudson and Martin Cranie when Leeds visited the John Smith's Stadium in November - when Antenucci scored the second of the visitors' three goals without reply.

David Wagner will hope lessons have been learned since.

Toumani Diagouraga v Dean Whitehead

Signed from Brentford in January, Toumani Diagouraga looks like a shrewd acquisition by Leeds and a player who can make a big difference to the midfield during his two and a half year contract.

Sitting just in front of the back four, the 28-year-old has been impressive in intercepting the ball to cut off opposition attacks as well as using the ball effectively to get his teammates started in the opposite direction.

It's a role Dean Whitehead is familiar with for Town - and in the absence of Jonathan Hogg, his experience and nous will be vital if Town are to come away with points from Elland Road.

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The former Boro man was everywhere against Derby County, and was very good in the win at Reading, when he grabbed an assist for good measure.

In a frenetic Yorkshire derby, whoever wins the midfield battle will go a long way to deciding the destination of the points, so Town will be hoping it is Whitehead who exerts the greater influence in a congested area of the park.

Gaetano Berardi v Joe Lolley

Perhaps the biggest positive from last weekend's disappointing loss to Burnley was a return to goalscoring form for Joe Lolley. Now on four Championship strikes for the season, the former Birmingham youth product has been one of the most improved players under David Wagner and can help shoulder some of the goalscoring burden alongside Nahki Wells.

A hard worker who has now built up his stamina to last 90 minutes, his defensive contribution will be equally important to curtail the influence of Leeds right back Gaetano Berardi.

The Italian was forced to sit out a number of Championship fixtures after injuring his ankle in December, but has now returned to the starting line-up and will be eager to get forward and support - 43% of Leeds attacks this season have come down the right wing.

One of the concerns for Town has been a lack of goals from a source other than Wells. If Lolley can win this particular duel, it will be key for David Wagner at both ends of the pitch.