Luton Town could all but secure a playoff spot if they are to beat Blackpool. The pair will meet in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday lunchtime in what promises to be a major clash. Blackpool have nothing to play for, as is reflected in their hit-and-miss results. On the other hand, Nathan Jones’ men have lofty ambitions in their sights.
Will Luton Town Secure A Playoff Spot This Weekend?
Form Favours the Hosts
As previously mentioned, it has been an indifferent month or two for Blackpool. Prior to the season commencing, they were spoken about as a strong contender for relegation, so for the Seasiders to retain their place in the division is impressive. Last time out, they put six past Birmingham City thanks to a brace from Jake Beesley in his first start and goals from the likes of Jerry Yates and Kenny Dougall. Before that though, they were without a win five. In that stretch, they lost to Nottingham Forest, Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion.
🎥 "It was a great chance for him to show what he can do today."
Neil Critchley full of praise for Jake Beesley after scoring two goals on his first league start for Blackpool:
⬇️https://t.co/PQRih6IiUd— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) April 18, 2022
Luton Town on the other hand have enjoyed a more consistent form. The Hatters have won four of their last seven, losing only once to fellow playoff outfit Huddersfield Town. Luton’s last two victories came by a single goal: Kal Naismith scoring a penalty against Nottingham Forest and Harry Cornick netting his 12th goal of the season at the Cardiff City Stadium.
In the reverse fixture at Bloomfield Road, it was Luton Town who prevailed. Sonny Bradley, who incorrectly saw red in the aforementioned win over Forest, opened the scoring with a trademark, dominant header. Second-half goals from top goal-scorer Elijah Adebayo and wide-man Jordan Clark sealed the deal and 3-0 despite some early dominance from Neil Critchley’s men.
What are the Possible Ramifications for Luton Town?
There is a lot that can still happen between now and the end of the season. That being said, Luton Town certainly have their fate in their own hands. They could even have a place in the playoffs secured come Saturday night.
Millwall currently sit in seventh and they are the team in pole position to snatch away a playoff spot. If Luton beat Blackpool and the Lions fail to overcome Birmingham at St. Andrew’s, then the job is done.
🗣️ "We've had to roll with it. It's such a hectic schedule we haven’t had any time to cry about it, we've just had to get on with it."
Nathan Jones on squad togetherness, injuries and Blackpool.#COYH
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) April 21, 2022
Looking beyond this Blackpool game though, with it being a very real possibility that Luton Town fail to win, they still stand in good stead. Luton, after clashing with the Tangerines, will travel to Craven Cottage before seeing their season out against Reading. The former could very well have the Championship title done and dusted by then whilst the latter are pretty much secure as safe in the division.
Who Can Be the Difference Maker at Kenilworth Road?
One major position of contention at the time of writing for Luton Town is in between the sticks. James Shea was substituted in the win over Cardiff with what looked like a rather worrying knee injury. In the game, Harry Isted came on in his place. The 25-year-old isn’t registered as a senior goalkeeper with the club, so they are eligible to bring in an emergency backup.
Just in front of whoever starts in goal will be the insurmountable Sonny Bradley who is returning from suspension. The centre-half, formerly of clubs including Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth, is a troublesome threat in both boxes. Not only is Bradley an imperious defender for Luton Town, but he has proven to be a presence from set-pieces over the years. He has only struck twice in the league this year but when it matters most, he is a man not to be ignored.
RED CARD! 🟥
Luton are down to 10-men after a clumsy challenge from Sonny Bradley earns him a second yellow card! pic.twitter.com/vgAVVQsr2L
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 15, 2022
On the other side of it, Gary Madine is himself a force to be reckoned with in the opposition’s box. Him being there alongside Yates allows for the big man to facilitate Blackpool in their attacking endeavours. Dougall, in the middle of the park, whilst chipping in with the odd goal, is so much more than just that. His energy and persistence will continuously be a thorn in the side of Luton Town this weekend.
Luton Town have a lot to play for whereas Blackpool don’t have all that much at stake. Nathan Jones deserves so much credit for where he has got this team to (as does Neil Critchley), but there are a few huge games still to go. Can the Hatters get over the line and into the promised land that is the playoffs?
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