Brentford v Huddersfield Town: Lack of winter break of little concern to Terriers’ boss David Wagner

The Terriers travel to Brentford today on the back of the heartening midweek win at home to Rotherham United.

In common with the rest of the Championship, Town will then play twice in 48 hours as Simon Grayson brings his Preston North End side to the John Smith’s Stadium on Boxing Day before the Yorkshire club head back to the capital to take on Queens Park Rangers. A trip to Bolton Wanderers on January 2 then rounds off the holiday run of games.

For Wagner, this season will be unusual in that he will not have the benefit of the winter break that kicks in back home in Germany early in 2016 so the 44-year-old is mindful of not overburdening his players.

“We have good quality in our squad,” said Wagner, who made four changes for the Millers victory. “And we have a lot of players fit and in good form. That is perfect for us to give the team new, fresh, positive energy from the bench and in the last two games it has worked. That makes me very happy.

“The squad is self-confident too. The players starting the game can go full throttle from the beginning, because when their tank is empty they will get help from the bench. That is something very positive and we will do it in the future again if everyone is in form, fit and knows the work they have to do.”

Ishmael Miller is one of those who could come in today after breaking his scoring duck of eight months and 22 games in midweek.

“I recognise that everybody is speaking about this goal,” added Wagner. “I like that, because it will give him confidence. I was satisfied with the other side of his game, too. He was able to protect the ball, which isn’t easy, and that allowed us to play our possession game from his position. He also did well when he came on last Saturday (against Bristol City).

“It is important to have someone who can help us and Nahki in the right moments. That lets Nahki get his rest.”