Huddersfield Town will have total freedom against Manchester City '“ David Wagner

Huddersfield's manager David Wagner congratulates Tommy Smith for scoring the goal that sunk Rotherham on Tuesday night.
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Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe) — Huddersfield's manager David Wagner congratulates Tommy Smith for scoring the goal that sunk Rotherham on Tuesday night. ( Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

Wagner, who made five changes to his starting XI for the enthralling 3-2 win over Championship strugglers Rotherham United in the league on Tuesday night, will definitely be without Aaron Mooy under the terms of his loan switch from the Etihad Stadium.

Isaiah Brown was also withdrawn against the Millers due to fears his legs were tiring so Town’s head coach has some big decisions to make in terms of selection, not least because next Tuesday sees promotion rivals Reading head to the John Smith’s Stadium.

“The Cup game had no influence on my selection,” said Wagner, when asked about his starting XI for the 3-2 derby win.

“We were only focused on Rotherham. We were very happy (on Tuesday night) but then we started to prepare and focus on the Cup game.

“Another competition, a different competition where we can do everything with total freedom.

“We will really enjoy this football match. Hopefully, with a sold-out crowd and then we can go see who looks good enough and fresh enough to be ready for Manchester City.”

Pep Guardiola’s men sit second in the Premier League following Monday night’s win at Bournemouth.

Wagner added: “I did watch the game but I am not sure how many of the players involved on Monday will be involved on Saturday.

“But this is not my or our problem. Like always, we make sure we totally focus on ourselves and make sure we are independent of what is around us.”