IT’S a top-of-the-table clash in League Two as high-flying Luton entertain big-spending Shrewsbury at Kenilworth Road. Danny Mercer (@OneDannyMercer) has found two bets to share.
Luton Town v Shrewsbury Town | Thursday 19.45 | Sky Sports 1
Fifth-placed Luton entertain third-placed Shrewsbury in a massive League Two fixture on Thursday night. Salop know a win would take them to the top of the fourth tier on goal difference whilst the Hatters could move into the automatic promotion places with three points.
The hosts are now unbeaten in nine games on home turf in League Two and won eight of those. Their last loss came against fellow promotion contenders Plymouth and it was John Still’s men who were the btter team on the day, only being denied by poor finishing.
Luton are a tough nut to crack too. Those nine games have included a whopping seven clean sheets. With Shrewsbury far from prolific on their travels, failing to net in six of their last 10 away league matches, they may struggle to breakdown the hosts.
The visitors have now lost six of their 10 games away from home and recently blew a 2-0 lead away to Exeter. Not enough? They were fortunate to come away with a 2-1 victory against Dagenham in a game they were completely outplayed in.
Yet it’s the Shrews who are rated as 6/4 favourites to win the game. It makes no sense to me. Luton are the most form team in the league even gave Newport a lesson at Kenilworth Road just three weeks back. It was their only defeat in 13! I’ve got to get on them at 21/10 with BetVictor!
Salop play three at the back and that’s an area that Luton can expose their visitors on. They relish playing on the counter and their fast tempo approach could do plenty of damage. The Hatters have two flyers in their front three with Luke Rooney and Shaun Walley getting forward to support top scorer Mark Cullen superbly.
I really feel the difference could be Luke Rooney. This lad has pace, skill and so much ability. It’s often his attitude and ego that lets him down. He can take players on for fun but will get lots of space with Shrewsbury playing in their wing-back formation.
Sure, at times Rooney can try too much, or taking the wrong option but he’s been trying really hard of late and playing without a contract. On Wednesday he signed a six-month deal so the pressure’s off and we can hopefully expect a performance from the talented speedster.
What’s more, Rooney excels at Kenilworth Road, scoring three goals in his last three games on home turf as well as three in his last four matches in all competitions. For me, he should be playing at a higher level and hope he’ll show that tomorrow. He’s a tasty 14/1 with BetVictor to pick up the Man of the Match award.
Best Bets
Luton Town v Shrewsbury Town – Luton to win (21/10 BetVictor)
Luton Town v Shrewsbury Town – Luke Rooney to be named Man of the Match (14/1 BetVictor)
