Ince to make impact as Luton travel to Derby?

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Tom Ince enjoyed arguably the best football of his career donning Derby County’s club colours. Playing predominantly on the right hand side of a front three, the now 29-year-old played over 100 times for the Rams, meaning the East Midlands outfit are the club that he has represented the most times in his career to date.

The Stockport-born winger initially signed on loan for Derby from Hull City at the back end of the 2014/15 season before a permanent deal was agreed the following campaign. After three unsuccessful promotion attempts, in which he totalled 38 goals and 17 assists, Ince took a leap into the Premier League by signing permanently for Huddersfield Town.

Subsequent to the Terriers’ relegation, the former England U21 international switched allegiances again as he secured a move to Stoke City; his current parent club. Two and a half lacklustre seasons with the Potters led to the winger being isolated from Michael O’Neill’s plans, hence why he recently sealed a loan move to Luton Town in the latest transfer window.

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On Friday afternoon, Ince will return to his former stomping ground for the fourth time since his exit in 2017 as Derby play host to the Hatters. Still in search of his first win at Pride Park as part of a visiting side, could this perhaps be a good omen for the Rams?

Wayne Rooney’s side are currently bottom of the form table with just eight matches of their campaign remaining. The hosts occupy 19th spot heading into the encounter, without a win in their last six and just five points above the drop zone. 

Relegation fears are far from over, but a victory against Nathan Jones’ men could provide a much needed boost for the home side in their push for survival.

Luton will provide a tough opponent, however, having won their last two matches. They have actually won four of their last six, only losing out to Swansea City and Norwich City who both have ambitions of automatic promotion, the latter well on their way to securing the title itself.

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Ince has featured in six of a possible 11 fixtures for the Hatters since signing, appearing for the final 20 minutes of their last clash; a 1-0 away win over Preston North End. Yet to score or assist for his new side, he will be hoping to make an impact against his former employers should he be given a chance on the day.

Safety looks all but secured for the Bedfordshire-based outfit as they sit 13th, a comfortable 15 points above the bottom three. A late play-off push seems unrealistic for the visitors due to a 12 point gap between them and sixth spot, so with seemingly nothing to play for, there is a chance that complacency could play a vital part in the upcoming match.

Three points are there for the taking for either team. The international break will have given Rooney’s side a much-needed lay-off and a crucial chance to regroup now into the business end of the season, but Luton may just prove too hard a nut to crack for the Rams – only time will tell.

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