Hatters Preview

Dropped?
By Chris O'Brien
August 25 2002

Tomorrow, the Bluebirds entertain Joe Kinnear's, Luton Town. It's been a very disappointing start to the season for the Hatters, who were tipped by many for promotion, but they currently sit bottom of the league and are still searching for their first point. A big crowd is expected for tomorrow.

Cardiff play their third home fixture of the season tomorrow, as Luton Town make the trip to Ninian Park.

A big bank holiday crowd is on the cards tomorrow.

Joe Kinnear's Luton Town were tipped by many to be promotion contenders, but currently sit rock bottom of the Nationwide Division Two table, after defeats from Peterborough United, Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle and Barnsley.

Luton walked promotion from Division Three last season, and Kinnear made some big signings during the Summer to try and push for a Division One spot, but the team may take time to gel. It looks like the club may need to invest in some defenders to stop the goals they have conceded, they against tally is already stands at 13!

Luton and Port Vale are the only sides in the Division who are yet to score their first point.

Despite their poor start to the season, Luton have still scored 7 goals in their opening 4 games (more than Cardiff!), and look a threat coming forward, but they have been disappointing at the back and could be vulnerable to pacey attacks from City strikers, Andy Campbell and Robert Earnshaw.

Kinnear is currently on the search for a new goalkeeper for the Hatters, after the poor start to the season from Emberson, but will not find on in time for tomorrow’s fixture.

Earnshaw is expected to start tomorrow, after a unimpressive start to the season from Andy Campbell. If Earnie gets the nod it will be his first start of the season.

Leo Fortune-West will keep his place tomorrow, after a very unexpected fantastic start to the season. Leo is currently the Bluebirds' top scorer with 2 goals, and has given 100% effort so far for Cardiff.

Spencer Prior will also keep his place after returning to the starting XI at the County Ground last Saturday.

Mark Bonner, Gavin Gordon and Jason Bowen are all still unavailable.

One to Watch:

Russell Perrett

The former Cardiff City defender will return to Ninian Park tomorrow. Perrett left the Bluebirds at the start of last season, and joined Luton on a free-transfer. He played a major part in their promotion campaign from Division Three.

Perrett is a strong defender, who was a decent player with Cardiff, but constant injury troubles never gave him a regular place in the first team.

After poor defensive start to the season that Luton have had, Perrett has lost a bit of confidence, but a return to Ninian Park for Perret is bound to get him going!

BTTB Prediction: Cardiff City 4-0 Luton Town Despite what I have said about the Luton attack, Cardiff defending well against Swindon and I think will keep the job done. I reckon this game is the perfect comeback for Earnie, he should tare through the shaky Luton defence. I'm going to be optimistic and say 4-0!

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