The Baggies will provide a stern test for the injury hit Hatters on Saturday. Former Hatters John Hartson and Curtis Davies look like missing out on their first potential returns to Kenilworth Road.
The West Midlands club have not started too badly, but nonetheless parted company with manager Brian Robson this week. This does not bode well since managerless clubs tend to do well just after a managerial sacking.
However, Luton remain unbeaten at home and seem to raise themselves when the better clubs visit, and The BAggies are lying in 9th place, thre positions above The Town but only one point ahead.
Vital Quotes:
Mike Newell’s pre-match press conference mainly dealt with his defensive problems rather than the match ahead.
Baggies caretaker boss Nigel Pearson said to his club’s official website:
‘Transitional periods are always difficult for whoever’s at the club, whether it be players or staff,’ said Pearson.
‘For the players in particular, this is a time when they have to very much concentrate on their own personal preparation for football matches and be professional.
‘With this squad of players, the aim for this club has got to be promotion.
‘That doesn’t change – whoever is in charge.
‘In this interim period, even though we have a gap between us and the top, it is important we stay in contact and hopefully improve.
‘What must happen is that the players and staff remain as professional as they can to ensure the long-term aim of getting back to the Premiership is looked after.
‘You have to do the job you’re paid to do.
‘I pride myself on being a professional person and, whatever the circumstances are, I’ll do the job to the best of my ability.’
Luton Town Team News:
Luton are definitely without Russ Perrett, Paul Underwood, Sol Davis and Chris Coyne, while Markus Heikkinen has allegedly been suffering from ‘flu. However it is probably just ‘man ‘flu, and he is likely to play if the desired loan signing did not happen. Barnett, of course will play after his red card was rescinded on Thursday, on appeal to the FA.
Sam Parkin is rated doubtful after his ankle became swollen after the match at Cardiff last Saturday.
Player to watch: Rowan Vine
He is in a rich vein of form and could be the match winner.
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
West Brom see Nigel Quahie, Kevin Phillips and Steve Watson return to fitness but Curtis Davies and Martin Albrechtsen are definitely out. John Hartson is also doubtful.
Player to watch: Nathan Ellington
After scoring two in two matches, ‘The Duke’ is looking for ‘a goal spree’ against a depleted Hatters defence. We’ll see if that transpires but he certainly cannot be given space to shoot!
