Changes expected for FA Cup tie

Wednesday can be expected to make changes for Saturday lunchtime’s FA Cup third round tie at home to Luton Town.

The match comes at the end of the busy festive period of games and players such as Keiren Westwood, Sam Hutchinson, George Boyd and Steven Fletcher could be rested in favour of the likes of Cameron Dawson – or Joe Wildsmith – Joey Pelupessy, Sam Winnall and Atdhe Nuhiu.

Squad players such as Ash Baker, Jordan Thorniley, Daniel Pudil and Matt Penney may also figure in the starting line-up.

Lucas Joao (hip) and Josh Onomah (hamstring) are doubts while Fernando Forestieri is expected to begin training again next week after his latest hamstring problem.

New coach Steve Agnew said that Lee Bullen had given his advice on who might need resting after the recent schedule.

Luton are on a 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions and are currently in second place in division one.

Agnew said at Friday’s press conference: “Luton are not to be underestimated, they are a very, very good side and capable of scoring goals. But from what I’ve seen this morning, our lads are up for this.”

The tie has been moved to a 12.30pm kick off for tv coverage under a new deal agreed between the FA and overseas broadcasters.

Just 10 of this weekend’s 32 scheduled ties will kick off at 3pm on Saturday because of this deal and our match is one of eight that have been moved for international broadcast.

The agreement between the FA and broadcasters was signed in October 2016 and allows for games to be moved for viewers outside the UK.

 

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