Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

'A real attacking force' - The challenge Nottingham Forest will face at Luton Town

Nottingham Forest make the trip south to face Luton Town on Saturday, looking to get back to winning ways.

The Reds have fallen to back-to-back defeats since returning from the international break, having seen last weekend’s clash with Reading postponed.

Their opponents have also suffered successive losses, with the Hatters sitting 19th in the Championship table.

Ahead of the match at Kenilworth Road, we got the lowdown on Luton from Mike Simmonds of the Luton News.

How would you assess the season so far? What have performances been like?

Performances have on the whole been pretty good for the Hatters so far.

Barring one home game against Hull and 30 minutes of the trip to QPR, when they were second best, Town have been in every single match for long periods and could well have taken more points.

They have been able to implement new manager Graeme Jones' ideas fairly quickly, playing an attacking brand of football, plus also integrate a number of summer signings into the side fairly seamlessly.

Luton Town boss Graeme Jones (TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)

How do you think Luton are coping with the step up to the Championship?

Although the table might not show it, Luton have made a fairly impressive start to life back in the second tier. They've shown they are a real attacking force in the division, scoring 21 goals, the joint-sixth highest.

It's at the other end where the problems lie though, with 25 shipped - only bottom side Barnsley having a worse record, as Town have found out that even the smallest of errors can be punished.

However, they have only ever lost by more than one goal away on one occasion, even at Fulham, which shows they are not being overawed by anyone.

They now just need to turn those narrow defeats into draws or, more importantly, wins.

What was the expectation before the season got underway?

The expectation was definitely one of just making sure they stayed up.

Town went into the campaign in the unusual position of being the underdogs after a number of years where they had been expected to win most weeks. But the size of clubs and budgets they are facing at this level, means it was just never going to be the way this year.

It's still going to be a tough ask, but if they can finish above the dotted line and start building as a Championship club, most supporters would be happy with that.

Harry Cornick in action for Luton Town against Fulham (Getty Images)

Based on results it looks like they have been better at home - what's been the difference?

They've only managed two points more at home than they have on the road so far, but it just feels like they are getting punished for every little mistake when on the road.

They should have drawn at Cardiff, while two huge errors cost them at Derby, and then another late goal saw them beaten by Birmingham too.

At home, with the crowd behind them, then it is a real plus for the Hatters - as they showed by beating Bristol City last time out, that they can take on the top sides and defeat them.

That will stand them in good stead for the rest of the campaign.

How will they approach Saturday's game and who will Forest need to watch out for?

They will definitely be approaching Saturday's game looking to win against Forest, as after an excellent performance at Kenilworth Road against Bristol City last time out, Graeme Jones will want his side to build on that.

Plus, after two straight defeats, it's important they get back on the winning trail once more.

Luton's main creative threat at the moment is Izzy Brown, who is really starting to show his Premier League class on the ball and making plenty of opportunities for his teammates.

If, as expected, they are restored to the starting line-up, then attackers James Collins and Harry Cornick are two players who the visitors will need to keep an eye on.

What's your score prediction?

I'll sit on the fence somewhat and go for a 2-2.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.