It’s nearly here! Town secured their place in the playoffs weeks ago, so it’s been a long wait but it’s almost time for the playoffs. Town take on Luton at Kenilworth Road tonight in the first leg of their semi-final tie. Town are in good form at the moment and have players coming back from injury but Luton are a tough opponent so it won’t be easy.
Here’s who I think Carlos wiil pick for this vital game…
Goalkeeper: Nicholls
Jamal Blackman did fine last weekend against Bristol City but he wasn’t Nicholls. There wasn’t a lot for the keeper to do in fairness but I missed having that sense of calm and organisation that Nicholls brings to the pitch. I’m not sure Lee Nicholls is the best keeper that I’ve seen in my time supporting Town but he may be the one that I’ve got the most confidence in when it comes to decision making and commanding his area. The next few weeks may give him the opportunity to elevate himself to proper legend status, depending on how things play out.
Defence: Lees, Hogg, Colwill
Tom Lees has been immense this season for Town and has been a major part of our huge improvement in defence. I think he’ll play on the right side of a back three tonight and will step out and fill the gap on the right flank when Pipa gets forward.
I’m not completely convinced about Hogg as a central defender. There are advantages and disadvantages to this move, but I think it’s hard to have a midfield with Hogg and Russell next to each other as they’re both a bit too slow. So playing Hogg further back means we still benefit from his experience, he has a bit more time on the ball and can organise those around him. But for all his experience and aggression, he’s still too short for a centre back in my eyes.
I’ve not seen anything said about whether Levi Colwill’s loan from Chelsea extends to the playoffs but I’m sure his parent club will have allowed it. The whole point of going out on loan is to gain experience and these upcoming games are the biggest possible games you can get in the second tier of English football. I’m sure Colwil will give his all in the next couple of games, so his first season in senior football can end in triumph.
Midfield: Pipa, Rusell, O’Brien, Holmes, Toffolo
Pipa’s season has been frustrated by a long and faltering return from injury but he finally looks close to being fully fit. Thankfully Turton has stepped up in his absence but I think the Spaniard will get the nod tonight because of his ability to make forward runs with and without the ball.
Jon Russell was on media duty in the press conference before the game and he came across as a nice young man. Relaxed, composed and intelligent, just like the way he plays on the pitch. Carlos confessed that he wasn’t planning on using Russell much this season but the former Chelsea youth player snatched his opportunity when it came along and he’s barely been out of the starting eleven since January.
I don’t think it was mind games when O’Brien was said to be injured last weekend but I think the injury that saw him sit out the Bristol City game wasn’t so bad that he won’t come straight back into the starting lineup tonight. The transfer rumours have already started about clubs seeking to pay his buyout clause in his contract but all tha talk can be forgotten about until after the playoffs now.
Duane Holmes has blown hot and cold this season. There have been games where he’s been frustrating to watch and his final delivery hasn’t been up to standard. In other spells though, he’s become the heartbeat of our attacking play and has used intelligent movement to make opportunities for himself and others. I’m optimistic that he’ll rise to the occasion in the playoffs and make an impact for Town tonight.
Forward: Sinani, Ward
Like Holmes, Sinani hasn’t been consistent this season but, also like Holmes, he’s produced moments of genuine quality at times. Another reason to pick Sinani is that he is needed for his set piece delivery in Sorba Thomas’ absence (Carlos confirmed Sorba won’t start tonight in the press conference). The club have an option to buy Sinani in the summer as part of his loan agreement, so a decent few games in the playoffs could help to convince Town to bring him in permanently.
The main striking role must surely go to Danny Ward, who has led the line consistently well for Town this season. He’s our top scorer but even when he’s not among the goals he’s a vital asset to the team with his relentless closing down and running the channels. I’m not sure he’s completely up to match fitness after his recent injury but he’s getting close now after completing 90 minutes last weekend.
Match prediction: Luton Town 1 – 2 Huddersfield Town
In a break with tradition, my score prediction was right last weekend. Just in case I’ve some magic ability, I should predict a 7-0 win to ease Town fans’ nerves but I expect a very tense and cagey encounter tonight. I doubt there will be a lot of quality on show but both teams will work their socks off and for the most part cancel each other out.
However, Town have been able to make key moments go in their favour this season and I think we’ll do that tonight. The whole game could be decided by two or three split-second events. Lately Town have been able to get goals, so I think we’ll be able to get a couple whether it’s from a set piece, lucky bounce or a piece of individual brilliance. However, I also think Luton will score too, so a 2-1 win is about as optimistic as I’m prepared to be at this stage.
After more than forty years supporting Town I am wise enough to know that a stack of cards can come tumbling down.Don’t get me wrong I am not saying Town are not going to succeed but I would advise anyone who supports Town to keep their feet firmly on the ground because Town have a habit of falling at the last hurdle
UTT