Match Day Thread Luton Town v Pompey

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Luton will be without suspended striker Danny Hylton for their top-of-the-table Sky Bet League One clash against Portsmouth.

Hylton received a four-match suspension following a red card for violent conduct against Sunderland on January 12.

Harry Cornick is likely to remain unavailable for the Hatters, having not featured since New Year's Day as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Centre-back Glen Rea is out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.

New signing Omar Bogle could make his Portsmouth debut after joining on loan from Cardiff on Monday.

The striker saw a loan spell at Birmingham cut short to allow him to move to Fratton Park.

Nathan Thompson and Oli Hawkins could return, although manager Kenny Jackett said he was unwilling to rush the pair back and Saturday's clash with Doncaster could be more realistic.

Andy Cannon returns after being cup-tied at the weekend, while goalkeeper Luke McGee remains on the long-term injured list.

Opta stats
Luton are without a win in eight league meetings with Portsmouth (D2 L6), last beating them in September 1995 in the second tier (3-1).

Portsmouth haven't kept a clean sheet away at Luton in a Football League fixture since December 1922 in the Third Division South, conceding at least once in all 20 visits since (45 goals conceded in total).

Luton are unbeaten in their last 16 games in League One (W12 D4); the longest current run in the competition.

Portsmouth have lost three of their last five league games (W2), more than they did in their first 23 of the season (2).

Luton have conceded just four goals in the 15 minutes before and after half-time; no League One side have conceded fewer this season.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 17 wins
Luton: 22 wins
13 draws

At Kenilworth Road
Pompey: 4 wins
Luton: 18 wins
5 draws

BETTING
Luton are the 6/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 23/10.

 

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Luton

• 36 Shea
• 7 Stacey
• 6 Pearson
• 5 Bradley
• 2 Justin
• 4 McCormack
• 17 Mpanzu
• 11 Shinnie
• 8 Berry
• 19 Collins
• 25 LuaLua

Substitutes

• 3 Potts
• 20 Moncur
• 28 Jones
• 35 Read
• 40 Isted
• 44 Sheehan
• 47 Tomlinson

 

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Match is underway

 

Shot from Shinnie goes close for Luton. 6th minute.

 

It's been snowing there for the last half an hour, so not ideal conditions.

 

Attempt saved. Kazenga LuaLua (Luton Town) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 20th minute.

 

Blip only - a fair few injuries, but they will all be fit soon !

Luton haven't scored yet, we are defending well, so not too worried.....

 

1-0 to Luton. James Collins scores. 39 minutes.

 

Let's hope so. Actually, a draw would suit Sunderland, wouldn't it ?!

 

45 minutes up - 1 minute added on.

 

Half time whistle. 1-0 to the Hatters.

Luton have attacked us relentlessly in the first half, so delighted we are only one goal down.

 

Pompey bringing on Dion Donohue and Omar Bogle for Gareth Evans and Brett Pitman

 

Second half kicks off. Dion Donohue immediately shoots straight at their keeper. 46 minutes.