A total of 10 points separate them from sixth-placed Reading, but a mixture of heavy competition and inconsistent form means that Mark Robins is likely to settle for a midtable spot this season.

However, there is always pride to play for in a Yorkshire derby, so his side will certainly not take things easy on Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

Town will be looking to bounce back from their last home outing, which saw them comprehensively beaten by Nottingham Forest, ending a run of three wins in a row and four matches without defeat.

With a big enough goal swing, victory could lift them as high as 10th in the table, but a number of the teams around them have a game in hand, so it could only be a temporary rise.

Robins will be boosted by the return of top scorer James Vaughan following a lengthy injury absence, although he is unlikely to start the match.

Wednesday will have fond memories of recent Yorkshire derbies having edged further away from danger with a 1-0 win over Barnsley after memorably thrashing Leeds United 6-0 at Hillsborough.

However, their fine form under Stuart Gray came to a shuddering halt with a 3-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic last Tuesday, while seven days later they fell to another loss at the hands of Derby County.

A run of 11 games without losing before that has lifted them well clear of the relegation zone, however, and they can now breathe easily for the next few weeks.

They are not completely clear of danger, with just nine points separating them from 22nd-placed Charlton Athletic, who have two games in hand, but it shouldn't take much more to see them safe for another season.

The improvement in the Owls' away form has been a major reason behind their remarkable turnaround, and they are now unbeaten in eight games on the road in all competitions, with their last defeat coming back in November.

Gray could welcome Benik Afobe and Jose Semedo back into the side, but he will be without Rafael Floro and Anthony Gardner again, while Reda Johnson is also a major doubt.

Recent form

Huddersfield: LLLWLW

Sheff Weds: WDWWLL

Possible starting lineups

Huddersfield: Smithies; Lynch, Gerrard, Smith; Hammill, Clayton, Hogg, Norwood, Dixon; Wells, Ward

Sheff Weds: Kirkland; Palmer, Llera, Loovens, Mattock; Lee, Maguire, Semedo, Antonio, Maghoma; Afobe

Sports Mole says: 1-1