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

Luton Town host Millwall in the Championship this weekend, still looking for their first win under new boss Matt Bloomfield.

The Hatters currently occupy an unwanted spot in the relegation zone, sitting 23rd in the Championship standings, one point away from safety.

Match preview

Having impressed during his two-year spell in charge of Wycombe Wanderers, Bloomfield made the switch to Luton earlier this month, following the departure of Rob Edwards.

Bloomfield's side ended a five-game losing streak with a goalless draw against Preston North End in his first game in charge last weekend, but that result still could not prevent them from slipping into the relegation zone.

The goalless draw was a sign of immediate defensive improvement under the new boss, as it also snapped an 11-match run of conceding at least one goal.

However, on Tuesday, the hosts conceded three goals as they threw away two leads against Oxford United, eventually losing 3-2 to the U's.

That loss at the Kassam Stadium was their sixth defeat in seven matches, as well as their 12th away defeat in a row - contributing to the second-worst away record in the division.

Their only away triumph this season was against this weekend's opponents, with the Hatters winning 1-0 at Millwall back in September.

However, their home form has been a different story, with the Hatters enjoying a good record on their home turf this season, having claimed 22 of their 26 points from their matches at Kenilworth Road.

Given the contrast in their performances at home and on the road, it is important that they get back on track this weekend against a Millwall side that have also changed manager recently.

Alex Neil replaced Neil Harris in December, after Harris chose to leave the club following just under 10 months in charge at the Den.

The Lions have had a difficult start under Neil, with their only triumph so far coming against National League outfit Dagenham and Redbridge in the FA Cup.

Having thrown away a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City earlier this week, Millwall are now 17th in the Championship, five points off the relegation zone.

The visitors have won just once in 13 league matches and have fallen close to the danger zone in recent times, but they can move themselves away from it, with the upcoming fixtures against fellow relegation battlers Luton and Portsmouth potentially decisive games in their season.

The biggest problem for Neil's side this year has been their inability to score goals, with the visitors netting only 26 times in 27 matches, with only Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City scoring less so far this season.

Their goal-shy attack will have a good chance of boosting that tally at the weekend though, as they face a Luton defence that have conceded 47 goals in 28 matches - the third-worst defensive record in the Championship.

However, with only one away win in the league this season, Millwall have had their own struggles to deal with, and they will be hoping that they avoid further troubles on the road this weekend to ensure that they distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Luton Town Championship form:

Luton Town form (all competitions):

Millwall Championship form:

Millwall form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts have many injury problems ahead of this clash, with Tahith Chong (hamstring), Tom Lockyer (ankle), Shandon Baptiste (calf) and Reece Burke (hip) not expected back until February.

Elsewhere, Lamine Fanne is a doubt with a leg injury, while Teden Mengi is a long-term absentee as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.

Meanwhile, the visitors have a couple of injury concerns, with Josh Coburn out until mid-March with a broken foot.

Their other absentee is Aidomo Emakhu, who is out until at least next month due to a groin injury.

Luton Town possible starting lineup: Kaminski; Bell, Holmes, McGuinness, Hashioka; Krauss, Nakamba, Clark; Jones, Adebayo, Nelson

Millwall possible starting lineup: Jensen; Scanlon, Bryan, Cooper, Tanganga; Saville, De Norre, Azeez; Watmore, Bangura-Williams, Langstaff

We say: Luton Town 2-1 Millwall

Both of these sides are still searching for their first league victory under their new managers, although Millwall's wait has been considerably longer.

With Luton performing better in their home games this season, we think they can grab a much-needed win this weekend against the Lions.

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