Football – England – League Two
Saturday 13th September 2014 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Hosts Luton Town have found the going tough upon their triumphant return to the football league, although the word ‘triumphant’ is not synonymous with The Hatters after the first few weeks of League Two action unfortunately.
John Still’s side are still (no pun intended) yet to win at their Kenilworth Road ground having suffered defeats to AFC Wimbledon 0-1 and last week’s loss to Plymouth Argyle by the same scoreline, along with just a point against Bury in a 1-1 draw.
Luton started their season in style though with a 1-0 win away at Carlisle United but as events unfolded in the ensuing weeks, Carlisle manager Kavanagh lost his job after some poor results. Luton’s early home record then stands at 0-1-2 1/3 and this is slightly surprising given the depth of their squad.
Striker Paul Benson has been sorely missed through a hamstring injury but he may be back on the bench today. However, Shaun Whalley and Alex Lawless will remain on the sidelines with injuries.
Visitors Cheltenham Town have made a great start to their new League Two campaign as they currently sit second in the division just behind Burton Albion remaining undefeated in the first six matches of the season.
Cheltenham have already registered wins over Bury, Accrington Stanley, Tranmere Rovers and Hartlepool United (Bury and Tranmere away from home) along with an important point away at Morecambe who are lying third, in a 0-0 draw last Saturday.
Mark Yates’ side have been playing attractive football of late and they have been rewarded thus far, while the goals have been obtained from various sources; leading goalscorer is Koby Arthur (3 goals) but the likes of Wynter (on loan from Bristol City), along with forwards Gornell and Harrison also carry goal threats for The Robins.
In Luton’s recent home match against Plymouth they looked totally bereft of a ‘plan B’ as they failed to break open The Pilgrims’ defence. The Hatters reverted to a long-ball game which Plymouth dealt with comfortably and a similar scenario could be played out again this afternoon as Luton face another seasoned League Two outfit in Cheltenham Town. My pick is that Cheltenham avoid defeat and back them with the round ball. Cheltenham might take this 1-0 anyway.
Pick: Cheltenham Town AH0 @ 2.09 Ladbrokes
