Preview: SWFC Vs Luton

Mike Newell's Luton Town are next up for the Owls as they look to bounce back from defeat at Leeds and climb away from the relegation zone.

Paul Sturrock told the SWFC official site:

''It would be nice to put ourselves back on the rails with three points. We have to try and distance ourselves from the bottom three and the only way of doing that is by winning football games.''

Owls 'keeper David Lucas told the SWFC official site:

It will be a yough one as we know from playing them twice last season and the game at their place this season. They're a big, strong team so we'll have to compete first, then hopefully we'll be able to play a bit of football. We know what to expect and, if we're not on our game, we could get rolled over.''

Wednesday 'keeper David Lucas will make his return to first team action after recovering from a knee injury. Lucas has not featured in the league since his injury in November, and Nicky Weaver has deputised. Lucas did make one appearance earlier this month in the cup tie with Charlton Athletic, as Weaver was cup tied.

Steven Maclean could also make his long awaited return from injury after being left out of the squad that travelled to Leeds last week. Maclean declared himself fit for the tie but manager Paul Sturrock didn't want to take any risks on the former-Rangers striker. Maclean is likely to feature in the sixteen.

Two other players suffering long-term injuries will not feature though. JP McGovern and Drew Talbot were set to return last week, but Sturrock wants to make sure the pair are 100% before risking them.

Drissa Diallo suffered an injury in a reserve match last week and will not feature. Diallo picked up an ankle injury in the defeat to Huddersfield Town reserves.

Steve Adams and Craig Rocastle are still injured, but Sturrock has no fresh injury worries going in to Tuesday night's match. He's also hopefuly of signing a player before the transfer deadline after the match.

The Northern Ireland international is the Owls top scorer and has recently been attracting the attention of Manchester City according to reports. His magnificent striker against Leicester City last time out at Hillsborough was one of the goals of the season.

Luton haven't won away since early October, but are confident that will change after taking a break in Portugal as a reward for their acvhievements so far this season.

Sol Davis, Peter Holmes and Steve Robinson are all still out for the Hatters, but Mike Newell has no fresh injury worries ahead of the game.

Newell has only made one signing during the January transfer window - the £100,000 purchase of Rushden and Diamonds David Bell. Bell is likely to feature in the 16 that travel up the M1.

The North-East product was a target for the Owls over a year ago, and how Paul Sturrock wishes he had the powerful forward on his books now. Howard has scored 11 for the Hatters this season, including two against the Owls in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Current Form:

SWFC: W,W,L,W,L

LTFC: L,L,L,L,W


Total Meetings:

SWFC wins: 21

LTFC wins: 13

Draws: 20


Last Time Out:

23rd September 2005

Luton Town 2-2 Wednesday

Wednesday went in to a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Graeme Lee and David Graham, but Luton earned a point thanks to two goals from former Owls target Steve Howard.


Played For Both:

Paul McLaren
Marlon Beresford
Peter Holmes
Scott Oakes
Mark Pembridge

Vs Millwall (A) - 04/02/06

Vs Crystal Palace (H) - 11/02/06

Vs Coventry City (A) - 15/02/06

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