The Hatters welcome Ipswich Town to Kenilworth Road this evening for the first round of the Carabao Cup - our second time meeting the Tractor Bosin three years.
Tonight’s game will not be available to watch on iFollow Hatters, but Simon Pitts’ full match commentary will be available as usual.
A lot has changed for both teams since our last meeting in August 2017, with the Hatters now a division above the Tractor Boys, having been playing two divisions below them.
A face supporters will recognise in the opposition's ranks is midfielder Flynn Downes, who spent time on loan at Kenilworth Road in our League Two promotion winning campaign. We spoke to Flynn ahead of tonight’s game, with the 20-year-old’s interview available in this evening’s edition of Our Town.
The winner of this evening's match will be ball number 20 in the southern section draw for the next round of the competition.
Car parking will be available at Power Court for supporters who have printed off a permit, which you can access by clicking here.
Tickets for the game will be available to purchase on the night, with the visitors bringing over 1,000 supporters along.
GRAEME JONES SAID:
Please be aware - these quotes are taken from Graeme’s press conference on Monday
On the team he will pick for tonight’s game: “I haven’t made my mind up yet. I want to see how the group from the weekend comes back today, see if they’re fresh and we’ll have a look tonight. We’ll have a training session tonight in preparation for tomorrow. The priority for me is to be as competitive as we can, to win the game, so that will be my first port of call."
On injuries going into the game: “Cranie is okay, he had cramp [on Saturday]. When you see someone stretching their calves, I was thinking, we don’t want to lose Martin Cranie with a torn calf. So we got him off and got James Bree on who’s an able replacement, but he’s fine. Sluga went down and scared everybody because we had made three subs. But I was prepared for every eventuality as I had to pick a goalkeeper quite quickly, but Simon’s fine. I think James Collins was up for the challenge, whether I selected him or not, I don’t know. Alan Sheehan trained really well the last two days and Danny Hylton has had a good period of work now, as has Kaz. So apart from young Jake Peck and Frankie Musonda, we’ve got a fully fit group to choose from.”
On Harry Cornick’s impact from the bench: “I have been impressed. Harry’s more than just pace, I think it’s unfair just to say that. His understanding has been good, off the ball and on the ball, but his attitude is fantastic. There’s no point having that equipment if you haven’t got the right attitude. We spoke about contribution, he’s come off the bench and been ready to contribute, so that’s all you want from everyone.”
WHO?
Following some close returns to the top tier as they finished in the play-off spots, Ipswich began to slip down the Championship, before their relegation last season as they finished bottom. Paul Lambert was unable to stop them falling into the third tier, but has galvanised a team that struggled last year. Decent purchases in the transfer window as well as keeping the core of last season’s team bodes well for the new campaign, notably with James Norwood signed on a free after he left Tranmere Rovers. Former Hatters loanee Flynn Downes has started both of the Tractor Boys’ league fixtures so far.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Kick-off is at 7.45pm at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday 13th August.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE?
Tonight's game will be overseen by David Webb, who has taken charge of two games this campaign, showing nine yellow cards.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are available for purchase on the day, with cash turnstiles available around the ground for home supporters.
AWAY SUPPORTERS
If you're an Ipswich supporter making your way to Kenilworth Road this evening, make sure you have a read of our away supporters' guide to get the most out of your trip to Luton.
PLAYED BEFORE?
We met at this stage of the competition just two seasons ago, that match was also played at Kenilworth Road when Ipswich were a Championship team and the Hatters were in League Two. David McGoldrick netted twice in a 2-0 win for the Tractor Boys.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
The main blow-by-blow account of the action from Kenilworth Road will be provided via the Match Centre on the club website, which you can access by clicking here. (*Please note that the club's Live Text will appear only by accessing through an internet browser, users of the Luton Town FC app will receive updates from Opta)
The main moments from the game will appear on the Hatters' social media feeds:
Twitter – @LutonTown
Facebook – www.facebook.com/LutonTown/
Instagram – www.instagram.com/ltfc_official/
And of course Simon Pitts will be on hand to provide commentary for iFollow Hatters which you can subscribe to by clicking here.
Tonight’s game will not be available to watch live on iFollow Hatters, due to it not being a league fixture.