Preview: Luton Town vs. Bristol City - prediction, team news, lineups

Luton Town and Bristol City head into Tuesday's Championship encounter sitting just two points apart in the standings.

While the Hatters currently hold a slender lead and have two games in hand, the 16th-placed visitors are on a high after their thrilling win over Cardiff City at the weekend.

Match preview

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Nigel Pearson and his Bristol City squad cannot be satisfied with their season thus far, but the Robins have at least recorded a double over rivals Cardiff.

They came from behind to prevail 3-2 at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon, Chris Martin ending an eight-game wait for a goal by netting a double.

The victory was only enough to leave Bristol City in 16th position after the weekend's fixtures, but it at least put the club closer to the playoffs than they are to the relegation zone in terms of points.

Pearson knows that two victories from three - as well as four home wins from six attempts - has bought him some time as he bids to keep his position in the long term.

Nevertheless, the wait goes on for back-to-back wins in the Championship this season, something which he will hope to end at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

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Luton had been bidding to extend their unbeaten run in the second tier to five matches when they made the journey to Sheffield United.

However, two quick goals after the restart, followed by the dismissal of Reece Burke, condemned the Hatters to their first league defeat since November 27.

Nathan Jones was understandably bitterly disappointed with the result, aware that a victory would have taken Luton to within six points of the playoffs with three games in hand.

On a positive note, the Welshman will be grateful for the chance to get back on track three days later, further motivated by the threat of Bristol City moving ahead of them with all three points.

Team News

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With Burke serving a suspension, Gabriel Osho is expected to deputise in the back three, and that is likely to be one of several changes made by Luton boss Jones.

Elijah Adebayo is expected to return in attack, while Jones must decide whether to hand Luke Berry an opportunity in midfield after his recovery from injury.

Fred Onyedinma will also be considered for a recall with Admiral Muskwe's fitness likely to be assessed after featuring for an hour upon his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bristol City pair Rob Atkinson and Andy King are expected to sit out this contest after picking up back and hamstring injuries against Cardiff.

Zak Vyner is expected to feature in the back three, while Jay Dasilva should feature at wing-back if Alex Scott is moved into the middle of the pitch.

Matty James has recently been sidelined by a foot injury and is expected to again miss out.

Luton Town possible starting lineup:

Shea; Osho, Bradley, Naismith; Kioso, Mpanzu, Campbell, Bell; Berry; Onyedinma, Adebayo

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Kalas, Vyner, Pring; Dasilva, Scott, Massengo, O'Dowda; Martin, Semenyo, Martin

We say: Luton Town 2-1 Bristol City

Both teams have a certain sense of freedom to go all out for three points given that they are clear of the relegation zone. We expect Bristol City to pose a constant threat, but Luton will be motivated to bounce back from the disappointment of losing tamely at Sheffield United.