Luton Town have suffered a major setback ahead of their highly anticipated Championship derby against Watford, with key defenders Kal Naismith and Mark McGuinness both ruled out through injury.
Naismith, who has been in fine form since rejoining the club on loan from Bristol City last month, misses out due to a hamstring issue. McGuinness, meanwhile, is sidelined with a knee injury. As a result, Mads Andersen and Reuell Walters step into the starting line-up.
Adding to the changes, manager Matt Bloomfield has opted to bench striker Elijah Adebayo, with captain Carlton Morris returning after recovering from illness that saw him miss Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle.
Boost for Luton as Clark Returns
There is some positive news for the Hatters, as midfielder Jordan Clark is back in the squad after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. Additionally, recent signing Christ Makosso makes the bench for the first time since his January move from RWD Molenbeek.
Speaking ahead of the match, Bloomfield expressed his frustration over recent results but remains focused on the challenge ahead.
“We got one point (from our last two games), so we are disappointed not to have got more, frustrated not to have got more. That’s been and gone, we can only influence what’s to come and we have to make sure we influence Sunday.”
Luton Town v Watford Rivalry
The rivalry between Luton Town and Watford dates back to the late 19th century, with matches between the two clubs known as the “Beds–Herts Derby” or the “M1 Derby” due to their proximity along the motorway. Luton, based in Bedfordshire, play at Kenilworth Road (12,000 capacity), while Watford, from Hertfordshire, host games at Vicarage Road (22,200 capacity).
Since their first recorded match in 1885, which Watford Rovers won 1-0, the two teams have met 123 times, with Luton holding the superior record (56 wins to Watford’s 38, with 29 draws). Their most dominant result came in 1926, when Luton won 5-0. Watford’s biggest victories include two 4-0 wins, in 1997 and 2022.
The rivalry intensified during the 1980s, when both clubs played in the First Division, and peaked in 1984 when Watford’s captain Wilf Rostron was sent off against Luton, forcing him to miss the FA Cup final.
After years of playing in different divisions, the derby resumed in the 2024–25 Championship season, following Luton’s relegation from the Premier League. Their latest meeting, on 19 October 2024, saw Luton claim a 3-0 victory, reinforcing their dominance at home.
Writer’s View
With two key defenders missing, Luton face an uphill battle in this crucial derby clash. Naismith’s composure and McGuinness’ defensive solidity will be missed against a Watford side eager to capitalise on their absence. However, the return of Morris and Clark provides a boost, and Bloomfield will hope his side can rise to the occasion despite the disruption.
