As the end of the season fast approaches, just 6 games remain for the Seasiders and that 6 point gap between them and the playoffs appears bigger than ever. Even McPhillips has admitted the huge task ahead for Blackpool, claiming they need to win at least 5 of their last 6 to be in with a chance, but with a trip to leaders Luton on Saturday, a side that has not lost since October, it is an uphill struggle from here on in. Blackpool are certainly in with a chance, but that chance is only slender and that final playoff spot is surely drifting away from them.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Hylton should return for Luton.
Alan McCormack missed out at Bristol and remains doubtful for Saturday.
Both Marek Stech and Glen Rea are out for the Hatters.
Jimmy Ryan, Max Clayton and Mark Howard are all long term absentees for Blackpool.
Turton and Guy could plausibly return.
The History:
Founded in 1885, Luton fell to the basement of the Football League and have also dropped out of the Football League in recent times. Since returning to the Football League however Luton Town have gone through something of a revival and are currently in search of their second consecutive promotion despite manager Nathan Jones walking midway through this season, and are a side Terry McPhillips described as the 'best' he has faced so far.
Coincidentally Luton's highest ever home attendance came against Blackpool, with 30,069 watching the 1959 FA Cup tie. The Hatters also won the League Cup in 1988, defeating Arsenal in the final to claim their only ever major title. It must also be noted that they won the Football League Trophy in 2009, a season in which Luton simultaneously got relegated from the Football League all together. Blackpool will travel too Kenilworth Road on Saturday, but with a 10,356 capacity the Hatters have been looking to move away for some time. Planning permission for a new stadium was granted in January of this year.
The Manager:
Still only interim manager, it is fair to say that Mick Harford has managed to keep the momentum going since taking over. He has lost just once and, in that time, has built a 7 point gap on their closest rivals in the division. During his career he played for Luton over two separate spells, playing over 150 matches. As a striker by trade, he most notably also played for Lincoln City, Birmingham City and Derby County before finishing his career at Wimbledon in 1998. Now 60, he has been in and around management for some time, but has never had as much consistency as at Luton. His first permanent deal was at Rotherham, but he lasted just 30 matches, and he also managed Luton prior over a 91 game spell during their relegation from the Football League. He has also acted as caretaker at Nottingham forest and QPR twice, but since returning to management for the first time in 9 years he has won 67% of matches and his managerial audition really couldn't be going any better, with his job being secured for next season.
The Players:
James Shea - The London born goalkeeper has 37 appearances to his name this season and has aided Luton in their ascendance of the League. He has conceded just 27 goals and has an outstanding 19 clean sheets, a ratio better than 1 in 2. His previous club was Wimbledon, where he played 112 times, but he is currently having his most successful season ever.
Matty Pearson - The 25 year old centre back has been a big part of Luton's immense defence this season, having played 46 times so far. The experienced centre back has played in the Championship and during his career has played for the likes of Accrington Stanley, Halifax Town, Barnsley and Rochdale. Pearson's height and strength will doubtlessly make things tough for the Seasiders on Saturday.
James Collins - Irishman James Collins has been among the goals for Luton this season, scoring 21 times in his 43 appearances. Collins, who has played over 230 times in League 1 and also in the Scottish Premiership, has been an essential part of the Luton side this season, with his goals contributing greatly to their current position.
Last Meeting:
McPhillips Preview:
Prediction: 1-1
Blackpool will be desperate for any sort of result, but Luton are hardly lacking motivation either. Blackpool will definitely struggle to stay with Luton and I think a draw is realistically the best they can hope for.
UTMP