Huddersfield Town v Rochdale: Victory now essential if Town are to achieve automatic promotion

The Terriers boast the only remaining unbeaten record in League One since the turn of the year with their last defeat having come at Southampton on December 28.

Since then, Town have gone 13 games without a loss.

However, with seven of those outings – and five in the last six – having ended in draws, it means Clark’s men have been unable to make the leap above Bournemouth into the automatic promotion places.

He said: “It is a must-win game for us, we know that. Of course, the unbeaten run is fantastic.

“But we have had too many draws in the last couple of weeks. That is what makes Rochdale a must-win game, especially when you consider we go straight into an away double-header afterwards.”

Town lost 3-0 at Spotland earlier in the season and Clark added: “It is not going to be easy against Rochdale as they have been flying.

“They are very tough to beat and some of their players have had terrific seasons individually.

“We played very well at their place earlier in the season but they were very clinical and we were not.

“They caused us problems on that evening and we know we are in for a tough old game. But we know we have to win it and we know what we have to do.”

Town right-back Lee Peltier is expected to start a four-match ban tonight after his second red card of the season, which came in the 13th minute of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against his former club, Yeovil Town, at Huish Park.

Clark had no argument with Peltier’s dismissal for violent conduct.

Last six games: Huddersfield Town WDDDDWD, Rochdale DDWWDL.

Referee: N Miller (County Durham).

Last time: Huddersfield Town 1 Rochdale; March 16, 2004; Division Three.