The Hatters are looking to secure a third successive Sky Bet Championship win for the first time this season as Graeme Jones’ side head to Charlton Athletic tomorrow afternoon.
With respective 1-0 wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, Town are back in action knowing they could move to within one point of safety with another three points.
The Addicks meanwhile could move eight points above the relegation zone with a win but suffered a blow in their last game at the Valley when they were beaten 2-0 by Blackburn Rovers.
There will be an applause in the eighth minute of tomorrow’s game as both the Hatters and Charlton remember Town supporter Ethan Matthews, who sadly passed away at the age of eight this week.
Gary Brabin and Inigo Idiakez said:
(Please note these quotes are taken from the press conference on Friday)
On the win against Middlesbrough Brabin said: “I think it was just what we needed at the right time as well (beating Middlesbrough). There were a few things, the win, we feel like we’ve performed well in games and not had what we deserved.
"But as well as the win, we’ve had clean sheets and it does help because it builds bridges going towards the next game and that’s the way we have to look at it. It doesn’t matter what team you are or what league you’re in, I think everyone has to prepare the same, you have to take each game as it comes and that is what we’re doing.”
On Charlton, Brabin said: “We want to claw a few back if we can, we’re not looking at this as a one-off game, we know what we have got to do from now until the end of the season and that’s win as many games as possible.
“That’s our next game and we’ve got to concentrate on that. It’s the next game and we want to win it but we’re not looking at it like it’s the be all and end all because it’s a club that is also in a similar position.
"It sounds like a bit of a cliché answer but we won’t be putting the banners out if we win and we won’t be down in the dumps if we don’t. It is one of those games, the main aim is getting as many wins under our belt until the end of the season.
Inigo Idiakez to the travelling supporters: “That is what we need (support), that is so important for us and the boys definitely feel that. The fans are behind them, the football club is in the Championship and we’re going to try our best and they are going to do the same as the other days, so definitely the message is be behind us and believe we will give everything.”
Who?
Promoted with the Hatters last season, Charlton came up to the Championship via the play-offs – beating Sunderland 2-1 at Wembley Stadium. Prior to their recent Wembley success, the Addicks won the FA Cup there in 1947 when they beat Burnley 1-0.
When and where?
Kick-off is 3pm at The Valley on Saturday 22nd February.
Man in the middle?
The referee for tomorrow’s game is Andre Marriner, who has overseen 17 games this season – dishing out 44 yellows and two red cards.
Ticket information
The ticket office can confirm that almost 2,700 tickets have been sold for tomorrow’s game, with pay on the day available at The Valley.
The maximum allocation is 3,100 and prices are at an increased cost of £3 if you’re paying on the day, excluding junior prices.
Played before?
The two sides met at Kenilworth Road back in November and Luton were 2-1 winners on the night, courtesy of goals from Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and Izzy Brown.
The Hatters also have the superior all-time record over the Addicks, winning 34 times compared to Charlton’s 26 wins, as well as sharing 14 draws.
Follow the action
International supporters can stream and follow the game from The Valley live on iFollow Hatters. Subscribers can tune into Simon Pitts’ full match commentary as well.
The main blow-by-blow action account of the action from The Valley 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/