Huddersfield Town must upset odds once more to stay in the elite

The Terriers, beaten 2-0 by Everton, are three points clear of the relegation zone in 16th place with a trio of games still to play.

Those remaining fixtures, however, involve trips to champions Manchester City and Chelsea, plus a final-day meeting with Arsenal at the John Smith’s Stadium.

With Wagner believing his side’s current points tally of 35 will not be enough to stay up, Yorkshire’s sole top-flight representative must upset the odds once again to retain their place among the elite.

“I don’t know if one point will be enough, but I am sure one win will be,” Wagner told The Yorkshire Post.

“This is what we searched for against Everton and what we will try to search for in the next three games.

“Of course each weekend gives us more clarity, but at the minute we do need further points.

“I am as confident as I have been all season not less or more confident than two weeks ago when we beat Watford.

“I totally trust and believe in my players. I believe in the group, the football club and the supporters. We will give everything to make it happen.

“Unfortunately we could not do it against Everton. We don’t have to lie, we were disappointed not to do that.

“But we still have this in our hands. Okay, we face very difficult opponents. It is a difficult task, but why can we not steal some points in these games? I believe this is possible.”

Town could, depending on how results elsewhere go, be in the bottom three by the time they kick-off at the Etihad on Sunday.

Both clubs immediately below Wagner’s men in the table play the previous day, Swansea City travelling to Bournemouth as Southampton tackle Everton at Goodison Park.

Stoke City, the other club attempting to overtake Huddersfield, are also in action on Saturday, at home to Crystal Palace.

Paul Lambert’s Potters, five points behind Town, then round off their season at Swansea, who also host Southampton on Tuesday, May 8. The Saints then tackle Manchester City on the final day.

On his own side’s daunting schedule, Wagner added: “All of the games will be special. We play Manchester City, who will get the crown (trophy) against us.

“Then it is Chelsea, maybe they really need the points to fight for the top four. Finally we will play Arsenal in Arsene Wenger’s last game in the Premier League.

“Every game has an exciting story and we are part of that. Our job is to make one of the stories positive for Huddersfield Town.

“With this support we have I am confident enough to say difficult, yes – it isn’t easy – but possible. We have shown that.

“We have beaten one of the top six already this season (Manchester United at home). If we are able to do it again that will be enough.”

Town’s goal difference of minus 29 is a worry, as only Stoke have a worse record. It could also take a further significant dent in the final three games, which is why Wagner insists that 35 points will not be enough.

“The goal difference isn’t in our favour,” added the Town chief, who hopes to have Tom Ince back to face Pep Guardiola’s champions after the winger missed the defeat to Everton with a hamstring injury.

“This is the truth, but I will lift the players. I will look in everyone’s eyes and use the right words. Game on.

“We had difficult moments last season when winning promotion. We have had them this season.

“This is why I am so confident and not worried about the situation.

“I don’t like it and I am disappointed we could not beat Everton. But we came through situations in the past because we knew this was never going to be easy, Huddersfield Town in the Premier League.

“We have 35 points after 35 games. Three games to go and one further win, I am absolutely sure, will be enough.

“Three very, very difficult opponents, but in every match you have a chance. We have seen big, big miracles over the full season. Now, in one football match, it can happen.”

Match report: Page 3