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Match Previews

SKY BET LEAGUE TWO MATCH PREVIEW: CHELTENHAM TOWN V LUTON TOWN

10 November 2017

Match Previews

SKY BET LEAGUE TWO MATCH PREVIEW: CHELTENHAM TOWN V LUTON TOWN

10 November 2017

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The Hatters head to Cheltenham Town tomorrow as they look to strengthen their position in the Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion spots.

With only one defeat in their last 13 games in all competitions, Nathan Jones' side find themselves in a rich vein of form, which also led to the Welshman winning the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for October, as well as Danny Hylton scooping the PFA Fans' Player of the Month award.

Tomorrow's hosts sit in 15th with 21 points to their name, but have picked up a majority of their points at home, having won five of their eight fixtures at Whaddon Road.

However, Gary Johnson's side come up against a team that have only lost one away league game this season – that defeat coming back in mid-August at Barnet.

A win tomorrow could see the Hatters return to the summit of the fourth tier, whilst the Robins could go as high as ninth.

THE GAFFER SAYS:

On going up against Cheltenham: "It's a really difficult game, as difficult a game as we have got this month to be honest. It's a difficult place to go. Last year it was a pleasing point, we didn't play particularly well, we had to grind out things, we had to defend for our lives in terms of the numbers they put in your box and the size. They have a real aerial threat.

"What we have got to do is make sure we do what we are good at and negate their strengths. It's a very, very tough tie. If the weather is bad there it's even tougher. I watched a game down there the other day and the weather wasn't great and it's open because the stands aren't as high – it's an open ground. It's a tough place to go and we know that and we have prepared for that tough type of game.

On facing the Robins after their shock Emirates FA Cup first round exit to Maidstone United: "I think it's not a good time to cross them in terms of that. We would have preferred a Maidstone type of performance from them, but I doubt we will get one of those.

"All we can do is prepare us. We don't tend to be too preoccupied with other people, what we have got to do is make sure we are at it and we know how we can be hurt by Cheltenham so we have worked on that and obviously we want to impose ourselves on the game."

On Alan McCormack returning to first team duties: "Macca's back in full training, we've had a good week out of Macca.

"Whether we get him involved for Saturday in terms of a bit of experience is another thing, so we've got options. It's a boost to get him back.

"How we recruited this year there's no passengers really, no-one we think, 'he's back in the side, it doesn't really make a difference.' They're all big players, all players who can contribute. So when you've got all of them available you've got better options, you've got more options, it makes us stronger."

WHO?

Promoted in the 2015-16 season from the National League, they were the first club in 27 years to achieve the feat of bouncing straight back up as champions after relegation from the EFL – they managed it with 101 points. The Robins avoided relegation by just four points as they finished 21st in Sky Bet League Two last season with a poor run of form from late October through to the New Year put them in danger of slipping back down to the fifth tier.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday 11th November at Whaddon Road.

TICKET INFORMATION

The Hatters have sold out their allocation of 995 tickets for the fixture. Supporters who have not purchased a ticket are strongly advised not to travel.

LAST TIME WE PLAYED?

The last meeting between the two ended in a 3-2 defeat for the Hatters at Kenilworth Road back in January, as Will Boyle, Jack Barthram and Billy Waters got on the scoresheet for the Robins. Of the 11 games between the two sides, the Hatters have won three, drawn five and lost three.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

You can follow the Hatters' Twitter feed on @LutonTown, or stay up to date on the LTFC website in the match centre. iFollow Hatters subscribers can tune in for Simon Pitts' match commentary, whilst international subscribers can watch the game live.


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