Luton Town vs Birmingham City - Match Preview

Team News

Perrett: Probably returning on bench

Luton - The only new injury worry for Luton comes with Croatian midfielder Ahmet Brkovic. Ahmet, who scored the winner in Luton's last game at Barnsley, has picked up a rib injury in training this week. This may not affect us too much however, because Brko has only been on the bench in recent weeks. All it means is that Carlos Edwards will almost certainly keep his place on the right wing for tomorrow. Otherwise, there are mixed fortunes for the defenders who are out injured. Russell Perrett is likely to be back on the bench after shaking off a problem with his knee. Chris Coyne's knees are proving to be more of a problem however. He has had another setback with his knees which have kept him out of the team for a long time now and will definitely not return for a few weeks. Paul Underwood is still out with an infection, so the team will probably be very similar to the team that started the match against Barnsley, although Sol Davis is likely to come in for Dean Morgan on the left, as he has probably fully recovered from a knee injury. Luton players have come through the international break unscathed. Foley didn't appear for Ireland at all, Feeney only fleetingly for Northern Ireland. Edwards and Heikkinen played full games for T&T and Finland, but Heikks missed the last Finland game due to suspension.

Probable Team
Beresford (GK), Davis (DL), Foley (DR), Barnett (DC), Heikkinen (DC), Emanuel (ML), Edwards (MR), Langley (MC), Robinson (capt) (MC), Parkin (SC), Vine (SC)

Birmingham - The international break has hit Birmingham City much harder. In form Blues striker Nicklas Bendtner has picked up a knee injury whilst playing for Denmark and is doubtful for tomorrow's match. Damien Johnson is suspended for the match but Bruno N'Gotty is back after completing a suspension. Martin Taylor may also return from injury for Birmingham after getting over a couple of injuries. Luton haven't played Birmingham for over 10 years, but the last clash was a disaster for Luton, with the Hatters losing 4-0 on the way to relegation from the First Division. The last three home matches between the sides have ended in draws. One ex-Hatter will return to Luton tomorrow - Gary McSheffrey played for Luton the season before we returned to the Championship, scoring a lot of goals alongside Howard, so he should get a good reception. Matthew Upson also plays for Birmingham but will not feature tomorrow due to injury.

Prediction
Birmingham failed to win their two matches before the international break and struggled against Wrexham in the Carling Cup, so the break came at the right time for them. Their away record this season is also quite good, although we haven't lost at home yet. I can see this heading for another home draw again for Luton, although against the best team to come to Kenilworth Road this season.

McSheffrey: Returns to Kenilworth Road