2021-2022 Championship Preview - Luton Town

Submitted by Andrew McMellon

Host of My Best Eleven Podcast, Journalist and Pundit (https://mybesteleven.podbean.com/)

Expectations for the Season

This season will be a tough one for the Town. Lots of changes and new faces. There have been a huge overhaul of the squad, now Nathan Jones has a full pre season and it feels that it could go one of two ways. The spirit in the team looks good (as seen in pre season friendlies at Hitchin and Bedford) but some fans are concerned that too much change may not be a good thing.

Main Player

There will be 2 main players who the club will need to continue their for from last season but the main man will need to be Simon Sluga. He, along with Sonny Bradley, will need to ensure Luton's clean sheets, especially with an unproven and untested strike force. Sluga will be given an extra few weeks off after returning from Euro 2020 duty with Croatia and coming into the last 12 months of his contract, Luton will need to start discussions urgently. His form improved hugely from his first season and expect him to be even better in 2021/22 season.

Rising Star

Peter Kioso will be seen by many as Luton's next in a line of attacking full backs (post Jack Stacey and James Justin). Jones spoke on the My Best Eleven Podcast about loving the diamond, even selecting this formation for his own team, so a player of Kioso's mould will fit right in. The Irishman is young and energetic, plus with Bree in and out, expect him to be given a chance this season after proving himself in League One and Two with Northampton and Bolton respectively. Also, look out for Dion Perrera this season after the attacker came on in 5 of the last 6 games in 2020/21.

What transfers are needed?

There is a concern over midfield for the Town. Depth is not there as it was and some fans believe the excessive depth of Graeme Jones has reversed. There has not been a like for like replacement for Dewsbury-Hall unless Joe Morell can find the form he showed for Wales in the Euros. Expect a few to come in and Jones has openly said there are still a couple of deals in the pipeline. Many fans would say the recent resigning of Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu feels like a new signing though!

Predicted Finish

12th Due to the huge overhaul of the squad from Nathan Jones tried and tested (losing Pearson, Collins and Moncur), Luton may take a while to get going.

Promoted

Bournemouth, West Brom and QPR

Relegated

Peterborough, Birmingham and Derby

Contributed: Andrew McMellon We interview ex-professionals (players, managers, officials) as well as celebrities and find out who would get into their ultimate Best Eleven Players they ever played with.

https://mybesteleven.podbean.com/

https://www.mybestelevenpodcast.com/

Twitter: @mybestelevenpod OR @andrew_mc84