'Most dangerous': Nigel Clough makes Luton Town promotion prediction ahead of Mansfield Town clash
Nigel Clough is well aware of the threat Luton Town pose this season after they narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs last time.
The Hatters finished just one point shy of the top six last season and missed out on challenging for promotion to the Championship.
This campaign, they are listed as one of the favourites to go up and Nigel Clough doesn’t think any differently.
Mansfield Town will welcome Luton to the One Call Stadium this weekend and Clough is prepared for Jack Wilshere’s boys to bring the heat.
The Hatters have been busy on the transfer market this summer, signing several players from the Championship and Premier League. Harrison Ashby has joined from Newcastle United on loan, Kasey Palmer has made his move from Hull City permanent, and Callum Marshall recently made a reported £1.5 million move from West Ham.
“I think they are probably the most dangerous team, attacking wise, in the league,” Clough said ahead of the match. “The quality that they have, especially in Palmer, who is on a different level to League One really. We will have it all on trying to contain them.
“But we had two good games against them last season. Hopefully it will be another entertaining game.”
Stags denied Luton the chance to pick up a single win against them last season. Their first meeting was a 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road, courtesy of goals from Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts. Wilshere had been appointed the Hatters’ new manager just five days prior to that match.
The clubs went on to draw 2-2 later in the season at the One Call, with Jon Russell scoring both goals for Stags.
“When we played them down at Kenilworth Road, you could tell he [Wilshere] hadn’t had any time with them,” Clough continued. “We had a good result but as the season went on, you saw them improve under him more and more.
“I think they will be right up there as one of the favourites for automatic promotion. I think they’re a different team.”