Preview | Luton Town (A)
The Game
Luton Town v Argyle. Kenilworth Road. Wednesday, 19 February. 7.45pm. Sky Bet Championship.
The Opposition
Following relegation from the Premier League, some high-profile player departures hurt a Luton side looking to bounce back, and they surprised many with their early struggles, which continue to this day.
The Hatters are currently bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, sitting one place below 23rd-placed Argyle. Luton picked up their last league victory before Christmas, beating Derby County 2-1 at Kenilworth Road, and have since claimed just two points in 10 games.
After struggling for much of the season, Rob Edwards left his position as manager of the Bedfordshire side by mutual agreement in January, following a 2-1 defeat away from home to QPR. He was replaced by Wycombe’s Matt Bloomfield.
The Gaffer
Bloomfield took over the relegation-battling side just five days after Edwards departed from Kenilworth Road, joining from Sky Bet League One side Wycombe Wanderers.
The 41-year-old had a prolific playing career with the Chairboys, featuring in over 500 games. His managerial career started in Essex with Colchester United but lasted just 28 games before Wycombe approached him to replace Gareth Ainsworth.
Bloomfield had Wanderers in a play-off position when Luton came calling. In six games in charge, Luton have picked up two points and are yet to win under their new manager.
The Squad
Kal Naismith returned to Kenilworth Road on loan in the January transfer window from fellow Championship side Bristol City. The Scottish defender featured 64 times for the Hatters from 2021 to 2022, but moved to the Robins the following summer despite being offered a new contract.
Midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was a fan favourite for Wigan Atheltic in League One before making the southern switch in January. Eight goals and two assists through 26 games for Wigan excited the Hatters, but the Norway youth international is yet to record a goal contribution for his new side.
Vice-captain Carlton Morris (above) has been a key part of Luton Town over the past three seasons, scoring 38 goals. So far this season, he's the Hatters' top scorer, with seven goals in 29 appearances.
Earlier This Season
Argyle beat Luton Town 3-1 on a frantic Friday night at Home Park in September. In a game that never let up, and was played at a ferocious, sometimes out-of-control, speed, a first-half goal from Rami Al Hajj and a brace from Ibrahim Cissoko were enough to claim three points under the lights.
Luton got one back through Victor Moses and threatened to turn the game right around, but it wasn’t enough to spoil an exciting evening in the South West.
Tickets
Tickets have sold out for this match. Collections are available on the day from the Away End Ticket Office at Luton.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will wear their white away kit for this game.
Argyle TV
Charlie Price and Katie Middleton will host the pre-match show at 7:15pm, before handing over to Kenilworth Road for match coverage, with commentary from Harry Salvidge and Garry Nelson.
Click here for information on how to buy match passes for the game.
