Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Luton Town
Cardiff City welcome Luton Town to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening (30/08), 7.45pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
In the hot seat for the Hatters is Nathan Jones, who hails from Blaenrhondda in South Wales.
Having started out playing in the Welsh domestic system, Jones worked his way up to make over a century of league appearances for both Brighton and Hove Albion and Yeovil Town.
His days in management began in January 2016, when he was appointed manager of Luton Town. Jones made an instant impact, guiding the club to the play-offs in his first full season.
The following year was a notable one for Jones, as the Hatters went one step further and secured promotion to League One by finishing second in the table.
As Jones continued to impress, he was appointed manager of Stoke City in 2019, but made a return to Kenilworth Road just 18 months later.
Last season, the Hatters remarkably finished sixth in the table and earned a play-off spot, as Jones was named 2021/22 Championship Manager of the Season.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER SIGNINGS
After an impressive season last year, Jones has looked to bolster his squad in the transfer market, with no less than nine new signings.
The Hatters boss has added two new goalkeepers in Ethan Horvath on loan from Nottingham Forest, as well as Matt Macey, who arrives on a permanent deal from Hibernian.
The side’s midfield options have also expanded, with Luke Freeman joining from Sheffield United, Louie Watson signing from Derby County and former Bluebird Alfie Doughty making the switch from Stoke City.
Jones’ notable signing this summer is the acquisition of striker Carlton Morris from Barnsley, who netted 14 league goals last season. The Hatters have also brought in the returning Cauley Woodrow to add to their attacking options.
There have also been signings with an eye on the future, as attackers Aribim Pepple and John McAtee have been brought in and loaned out to League Two outfit, Grimsby Town.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYERS
Midfielder Allan Campbell has been a huge hit at Kenilworth Road since signing from Motherwell at the start of last season. The Scotland international has started this season by continuing his form from last year, netting in their 2-0 win at Swansea City.
Left-back Dan Potts has also become a key player for the Hatters since joining in 2015. Having come through the ranks at West Ham United, making five senior appearances, Potts has now established himself as a Championship defender, who can also play in the back three.
New signing Morris has made a positive start to life at Kenilworth Road, netting his first goal for the club in their win over Swansea City. Boss Jones will be hoping that the striker shows the form that made him so dangerous for Barnsley last season.
CLUB FLASHBACK | CHOPRA BRACE DOWNS HATTERS
One of the Bluebirds’ most impressive performances against Luton Town came in September 2006, with a convincing 4-1 victory.
City were rewarded for a bright start, as Lewis Emanuel handled Riccardo Scimeca’s header, allowing Darren Purse to open the scoring from the penalty spot.
Paul Parry then got in on the act, curling brilliantly home to add a second for the Bluebirds. Despite Rowan Vine pulling a goal back before the break, City reacted admirably in the second period.
Michael Chopra was on-hand to finish from Steve Thompson’s flick-on, before converting clinically from Malvin Kamara’s deep cross to send City back to the top of the Championship table.
