Lutonvs.Portsmouth

Meanwhile, Pompey will be looking to continue their impressive run of form after winning each of their previous three matches.

Match preview

Matt Bloomfield is still searching for his first win as Luton boss since leaving his position as Wycombe Wanderers manager to take over the reins at Kenilworth Road in January.

Bloomfield has overseen three draws and five defeats in eight Championship matches, including a disappointing result in Sunday's M1 derby against Watford at Vicarage Road.

First-half goals from Tom Dele-Bashiru and Edo Kayembe proved enough to steer Watford to a 2-0 victory and condemn the Hatters to a 13th defeat in 14 away league games, leaving them bottom of the Championship table with five points separating them from safety.

Luton have now lost nine of their last 12 league matches (D3) since they recorded their most recent Championship victory against Derby County on December 20.

Perhaps, Bloomfield can take inspiration from the fact he has already beaten Portsmouth this season, overseeing a 2-0 FA Cup victory in his final match as Wycombe boss in January.

The Hatters have also won their last two home meetings with Portsmouth, including a 3-2 win when the two sides last met at Kenilworth Road in January 2019.

Pompey have significantly boosted their survival hopes with a three-game winning run, moving them up to 17th place and nine points clear of the drop zone.

Portsmouth got the better of Cardiff City and Oxford United, before they recorded a narrow 2-1 win in last Saturday's home clash with Queens Park Rangers.

Josh Murphy and Matt Ritchie grabbed a goal apiece in the opening stages of the second period, and while Jimmy Dunne pulled a goal back for the R's, Pompey stood firm for the remainder of the contest to claim their eighth win in 11 home matches (D2, L1).

They will head on their travels with hopes of recording back-to-back away league wins for the first time this season after beating Oxford on February 15 to clinch just their second road win of the campaign.

Portsmouth will be determined to make a positive start at Kenilworth Road given the fact they have conceded 10 away goals in the opening 15 minutes this season - more than any other team in the same time period on the road.

The visitors will hope that a strong start can guide them to their first away victory against Luton since recording a 3-1 win in November 2016.

Luton Town Championship form:

L

D

L

L

D

L

Portsmouth Championship form:

L

D

L

W

W

W

Team News

Luton are unable to call upon Reece Burke, Daiki Hashioka and Teden Mengi, while Kal Naismith and Mark McGuinness are doubts after they sat out the defeat to Watford.

Marvelous Nakamba and Shandon Baptiste were both forced off against the Hornets, with the pair set to be assessed ahead of Saturday's home fixture.

Christ Makosso could be considered for a starting berth after the January signing came off the bench to make his Luton debut as a half-time substitute last weekend.

As for Pompey, they are expected to be without Ibane Bowat, Jacob Farrell, Paddy Lane and Callum Lang for the rest of the season, while Jordan Williams and Conor Shaughnessy will miss out with hamstring problems.

Rob Atkinson and Hayden Matthews are doubts for Saturday's away clash after the pair picked up injury issues in the 2-1 win over QPR.

Mark O'Mahony was not fit to feature in the matchday squad for the home victory and will have to be assessed ahead of the trip to Kenilworth Road.

Luton Town possible starting lineup:

Kaminski; Walters, Makosso, Bell; Jones, Walsh, Clark, Aasgaard, Doughty; Adebayo, Morris

Portsmouth possible starting lineup:

Schmid; Swanson, Pack, Poole, Ogilvie; Hayden, Dozzell; Ritchie, Aouchiche, Murphy; Bishop

We say: Luton Town 1-1 Portsmouth

Written by

Ben Sully

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