Huddersfield vs Chelsea Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Huddersfield were the hot favourites for relegation last season as they entered their debut campaign in the Premier League, but a fantastic start to life in the top flight put them on the front foot from the off. Unfortunately for David Wagner’s men, their form tailed off, but it was enough to stave off the drop and leave them in 16th position come the end of the season.

They have recognised their need to strengthen the squad though, and know they can’t rely on making a blistering start like last season. The Terriers have brought in Adama Diakhaby, Ramadan Sobhi, Juninho Bacuna, and Erik Durm to add new options all over the pitch, as well as making the loan signings of Terence Kongolo, Flroent Hadergjonaj, and Jonas Lossl permanent.

Pre-season has gone fairly well for Huddersfield too. They did lose to Accrington Stanley way back in the middle of July, but since then they have drawn against Dynamo Dresden and Darmstadt and picked up impressive and confidence boosting victories against Lyon, Bologna, and RB Leipzig. This season will almost undoubtedly be a struggle for them, but their summer activity has given them a better chance of survival.

Chelsea enter yet another new era this season, with Maurizio Sarri taking charge after the downfall of Antonio Conte last season resulted in his sacking. He comes to Stamford Bridge after turning Napoli into Serie A title challengers during his reign, but it’s worth noting that the Italian has never won a major trophy. Roman Abramovich is unlikely to tolerate that record persisting for too long.

It’s not been the greatest start for Sarri though. He began the pre-season with a 1-0 win over Perth Glory in Australia, but since then he hasn’t won a game. Draws against Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Lyon in the International Champions Cup don’t exactly inspire confidence, and The Blues looked tired and jaded in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.

One positive is that Eden Hazard is looking increasingly likely to remain at Chelsea this season, but his Belgian compatriot Thibaut Courtois has moved to Real Madrid. So far, their only major arrival of the summer is midfielder Jorginho, and considering Hazard wanted to see some true ambition in the transfer market it’s not out of the question that he could leave the club by the time Saturday’s game rolls around.

Huddersfield managed to avoid defeat in 11 of their 19 home Premier League games last season, and they’re facing a Chelsea side who have won just five of their last 13 trips away in the league. They may be under new management, but even Sarri’s recent form on the road is uninspiring. His Napoli side only won two of their final six away games in Serie A.

Despite all this, the bookies are firmly in Chelsea’s court. Backing a Huddersfield Win or Draw Double Chance looks fantastic value here, and a 1-1 correct score prediction looks the most likely outcome.