Luton vs Morecambe - A look ahead

The main new entrant into the squad for Saturday from the midweek Paint Pot Trophy victory against Colchester will be Kevin Gallen. Gallen missed the cup game owing to him being cup tied in the competition, having played for a fake plastic team earlier in the season. He is likely to return to the squad, probably the first-team, in place of Wayne Andrews. Paul McVeigh and Chris Martin are also likely to return to the first team, having been on the bench for the Colchester match midweek. Other than that, the BBC reports that 'Mick Harford has no other major injury or suspension worries'. A statement echoed by me. Other than Kevin Nicholls of course, who is still likely to be injured and not match fit. And George Pilkington, who has missed the last two matches through injury. And Lewis Emanuel, who isn't close to match fitness yet. And Kevin Watson. And Ryan Charles. And how can we forget Tom Craddock? There is also the knock that Keith Keane picked up on Tuesday, that could be a big worry. But other than that, no there aren't any big injury worries for Mick.

The team selection will depend on whether Mick will stick with the 4-3-3 formation that has worked well for us in the last few matches, or change back to 4-4-2. One thing that is for sure is that Conrad Logan is likely to be in goal, after keeping two clean sheets in the last two matches. Jake Howells will probably stay at left-back ahead of Sol, with Spillane and Legend in the centre. Right-back is a different matter, and either one of Gnakpa, Asafu-Adjaye, Beavan and Keane could be realistically chosen. In midfield, after being one of the best players in the team in recent weeks, Paul McVeigh will probably return to the team, alongside either Keane and one of Jarvis/Hall, or Jarvis and Hall (assuming we play 4-3-3 of course). Up front, Talbot will probably keep his place in the team, and Gallen and Martin should also be there. If one of them are out, then Mick will either scrap the formation and revert to two up front or go for Wayne Andrews up front as well.

Predicted Team: Logan (GK), Howells (DL), Gnakpa (DR), Legend (DC), Spillane (DC), Jarvis (MC), Keane (MC), McVeigh (MC), Talbot (SC), Gallen (SC), Martin (SC)

For Morecambe, manager Sammy McIlroy is likely to name the same team that beat Darlington at home last week. The influential Michael Twiss made his comeback for the reserves in the week for Morecambe, but is unlikely to feature tomorrow for the Shrimps. Morecambe have been indifferent this season so far, with 21 points from 20 matches. They are currently in 17th place in League Two, but would be behind all three of the bottom teams if the points were level. Their league form in the last six games is identical to that of Luton, with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Their last outing saw them defeat promotion chasing Darlington 1-0 at home, with Rene Howe getting the goal, his 8th of the season. Away from home, their form is a lot worse, with just the one win so far away from Christie Park, which was a 2-1 victory at Chester. It is worth noting that Luton have never beaten Morecambe at Kenilworth Road, although the same can be said the other way round at Christie Park.

Saturday could see a return to Kenilworth Road for former Luton striker Matthew Blinkhorn. The 23-year old spent a period of time on loan at Luton in 2004, where he made three substitute appearances for Luton, making virtually no impact whatsoever. However, his last appearance for Morecambe was in September, so either he is injured or dropped, so is unlikely to appear even on the bench on Saturday for Morecambe.