Swansea City host play-off hunting Luton Town

Luton Town travel to Swansea City as they hope to boost their play-off hopes.

Russell Martin’s side, however, will provide a resolute contest.

The former MK Dons boss has not enjoyed a terrific start at the helm, but five points from their three games against Huddersfield Town, Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers have provided serious encouragement. That was until a 2-0 defeat to Hull City at the weekend spoiled the mood in South Wales.

The Hatters have been in excellent form, picking up 14 points from their last seven matches, and held high-flying Blackburn Rovers to a goalless draw at Kenilworth Road.

Sitting just six points adrift of the play-offs with at least one game in hand, the opportunity is there for Luton to make their presence felt among clubs who are under far more pressure to earn promotion to the Premier League.

A win over Martin’s men in manager Nathan Jones’ homeland would be beneficial not only to their promotion campaign but as a morale boost for their upcoming matches against Cambridge United in the FA Cup, their two league games against Barnsley and Birmingham City.

Team News

Russell Martin will likely recall Frenchman Olivier Ntcham to the starting 11 with Michael Obafemi also in contention for a start.

Joel Piroe, the Swans’ top goalscorer, has just one goal in nine games and is at risk of losing his place to Hannes Wolf.

Ryan Bennett will likely feature in the back three, potentially as a replacement for Ben Cabango, while Flynn Downes will expect to return after suspension.

Luton Town boss Nathan Jones is likely to rotate with Admiral Muskwe set to return.

Although Elijah Adebayo’s fitness is being managed, he may feature in attack, and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu is another player who may be provided with a rest.

Stats

Swansea have lost just one of their last seven matches against the Hatters, with their only loss in that time coming in June 2020.

Luton are unbeaten in their last five Championship away games, boasting a record of two wins and three draws.

Nathan Jones has lost five of the last six trips to South Wales, with his only point coming at Swansea. The 48-year-old Welshman has lost three times to Cardiff City.

Head-to-head

Last time out, the sides drew 3-3 in Hertfordshire with Swansea coming from three goals down in the second half.

In history, the Swans have won 21 games, with Luton winning 22 times and 12 games ending in a draw.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt