The Terriers take on Preston North End in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park
Huddersfield Town defender Radinio Balker says his side are “looking forward” to returning to competitive action against Preston North End tomorrow afternoon.
The Terriers take on the Championship outfit in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park, with the game having been moved from Deepdale due to Preston currently installing a hybrid pitch.
The cup tie comes a week before the start of the League One season, with Town getting their campaign underway at home to AFC Wimbledon next Saturday.
Martin Drury’s side had seven matches in pre-season, with their schedule rounded off with a 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Discussing the new season following last Saturday’s draw, Balker told HTTV: “I’m actually looking forward to it a lot, this is what you work towards.
“We have worked hard the last five weeks I think, it’s been a lot, and next week is where it really starts, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Town came up against four Championship sides in pre-season, losing to Birmingham City and Sheffield United, before beating Middlesbrough and drawing to Blackburn.
In their most recent encounter, Marcus Harness gave Town a first-half lead at Accu Stadium, before Jake Garrett secured a draw for the visitors.
Reflecting on that contest, Balker said: “I think it was good, tough. I think it was a good opponent we played against.
“I think some good moments, still some things to improve on, but I think it’s a good start for us against a good team.
“Of course it doesn’t really say anything about what you’re going to do in the competition, because it’s a different type of play we played against, but it’s always good that what we train comes back into the game, and hopefully that will keep coming back as well.”
