Hartlepool United v Luton Town: Sky Bet League Two preview – 3 October

Things have certainly been looking up for Luton lately as they have won their last three games with the performance in their 3-1 victory at Morecambe on Tuesday the most convincing of the lot.

The mistakes that characterised the Hatters’ slow start are becoming less frequent, while their attack continues to fire – they are the highest scorers away from home in the division.

John Still’s men now make the long trip to Hartlepool, who in contrast have fallen away after a bright opening to the campaign, with their latest setback coming in the form of a 3-0 home defeat to Bristol Rovers.

Venue: Victoria Park

Kick Off time: 3.00pm

TV: Highlights on Football League Tonight from 9pm, Channel 5

Last season score: Hartlepool United 1 (Neil Austin pen 90 mins), Luton Town 2 (Mark Cullen 39 mins, Jim Stevenson 81 mins) – 18 October 2014

Head to head results: Despite these two clubs’ long history in the Football League they haven’t been in the same division that often, hence just the 18 meetings since Luton won 2-1 at Kenilworth Road in February 1966.

The Hatters hold the edge over time, winning 11 games, losing seven with the other match drawn but things are slightly different at Victoria Park.

Luton have travelled up to Hartlepool ten times and have won four times while coming away pointless on six occasions, scoring 14 goals in the process and conceding 20.

Referee: Richard Clark

Referee stats: Seven matches, 21 yellow cards, 0 red cards

Betting odds: Hartlepool win 9/4, draw 23/10, Luton win 6/5 (Sky Bet)

Sports team prediction: 0-2

Team news: Luton have almost a clean bill of health with striker Paul Benson the only doubt with a neck injury. Defender Scott Cuthbert is available to play again after an ankle injury.

Nathan Doyle and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu are back in full training and are expected to feature in next Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Gillingham.

Hartlepool are hoping to have striker Rakish Bingham available again following a hamstring strain.

Form (in all competitions): Hartlepool United LWDLLD, Luton Town WWWLWW

Leading scorers: Hartlepool United – Billy Paynter (4), Luton Town – Jack Marriott, Cameron McGeehan (4)

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