Luton Town (A) Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
Kevin from The Luton Town Supporters' Trust talks about a tough match in store for Huddersfield, loan star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and their new January signings.
A draw against Stoke before the game started would have seemed like a decent result, however, after The Potters were reduced to ten men just before half-time, you could argue it’s two points dropped. Town struggled to break down a defensive Stoke in the second half and after a deadline day where Huddersfield were linked with almost every available striker in the English divisions but to no avail, you can see why fans might be frustrated.
With the rumours of striker Oumar Niasse being linked to The Terriers, Carlos Corberán didn’t deny they were looking at strikers in the free agent market. He said:
"We are always analysing our situation. We were trying everything to make a stronger squad (in January), now, I am always focused on the squad that I have. I feel proud to work with the players that I have.
"As a club, we are always looking at how we can improve our squad. We will continue analysing the market. We know a striker is one position that we can be focused on. We are looking at free agent players. We understand this is an option we can improve."
Whether Town bring in a striker or not, the good news is that if they get a win at the weekend, it will calm things down slightly and allay fears of ‘Doing A Hull’, so let’s look at Luton. The Hatters are a place above Huddersfield in the table sitting in 13th going into this game, a point above The Terriers. They’ve only won three in their last ten league matches, yet they have only lost one home game in their last six home games.
However, Luton like Town, have yet to win in 2021 so who knows what’s in store? Kevin Harper, from The Luton Town Supporters' Trust, is here to give us an update for our latest match preview.
Luton manager Nathan Jones has done a remarkable job since his second stint in charge at the club. Photo source: Luton Town
What did you make of Huddersfield in the previous match between these two teams?
I thought Huddersfield were a much better side than the one we encountered last season. You could tell the switch to a possession-based game was getting off the ground and the longer it went on the better Huddersfield looked.
When we last spoke, you mentioned that manager Nathan Jones has a special bond with this squad. Did you expect that bond to have you comfortably midtable at this stage of the season?
No in truth. I expected us to improve on last season because we've done that every season we have had him at the helm for but to be flirting with the top half and who knows what may yet come means we are probably a season ahead of what I expected.
We’re halfway through the season now, how would you rate your first half of the campaign?
Much better than I anticipated. It hasn't been all sunshine and roses, we've taken a few tame beatings along the way but wins over Norwich and Bournemouth level that out. All in all, I'm very happy although a few more goals would be nice!
Elijah Adebayo was strongly linked to Huddersfield but joined Luton Town on transfer deadline day. Photo source: Luton Town
What are your hopes for the rest of the season, do you think you can improve?
I think with the signings made in January there is improvement in us, especially in an attacking sense. I would be more than happy if we potter along flirting with the top half as long as we maintain a good gap and don't get sucked into any relegation issues.
The transfer window has now closed. What do you make of Luton’s transfer business? Are there any signings you’re particularly pleased with?
I am quite optimistic about the signings we've made. Kal Naismith has settled in well and can play anywhere which is useful while Tom Ince has plenty to prove if he is going to resurrect his career. Elijah Adebayo could be what we need as we are light for goals.
Are you expecting something different from the game against Huddersfield this time?
I'm not totally sure what to expect but I noticed that Huddersfield's away form is terrible so I wonder if you'll be more defensive than previously to counteract that.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been our standout player this season says Kevin from the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust. Photo source: Luton Town
Who has been your best player this season? Anyone we need to watch out for in the game?
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been our standout player this season and he's definitely one to watch. He's right up there in the best player in the league standings for me and when he goes back to Leicester at the end of the season I expect he'll make a huge impact there. You'll know all about Tom Ince and maybe Elijah Adebayo might have a point to prove after choosing us on deadline day!
What are Luton’s key weaknesses this season, is there anything Huddersfield can capitalise on?
Putting the ball in the net sadly! We have lost a clinical edge in the final third of the pitch although hopefully, Ince will counter that. We're pretty strong in the first two-thirds of the pitch though.
Have your expectations for Huddersfield Town changed for this season based on the previous game?
Not really. I didn't think it was a great game and I thought it was just two mid-table sides battling it out. That's where we both are and will probably remain.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
2-0 Luton.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Luton? Let us know in the comments!
