The EFL Championship play-offs begin as four clubs battle it out for promotion to the Premier League as Luton Town host Huddersfield Town in the first leg of their semi-final at Kenilworth Road.
The Hatters were gifted a 1-0 victory over Reading on the final day of the season as a horrible goalkeeper error by Orjan Nyland gave Harry Cornick an open net to score, earning Luton a play-off place.
In stark contrast, the Terriers finished on a seven-match unbeaten run to earn third place in the table as they seek to take the first steps in a return to the top flight following a three-year absence.
Team news
Forward Elijah Adebayo is has missed the last two games with a hamstring issue, but Hatters boss Nathan Jones said there is “far better news” on the player ahead of Friday’s first leg.
Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu (ankle) has been ruled out while fellow midfielder Fred Onyedinma (hamstring) is doubtful.
Midfielder Luke Berry is a possibility to feature following a knee problem but goalkeepers James Shea and Jed Steer remain sidelined, along with defender Gabe Osho (hamstring).
Sorba Thomas has missed the last month of the season with a knee injury while Matty Pearson missed the last seven league games of the season. Both have since returned to training but Friday’s game will come too soon.
Lewis O'Brien has also returned to training after recovering from a hip injury but it remains unclear whether the midfielder will be involved.
Forward Josh Koroma was named on the bench in last week’s victory over Bristol City after coming back from a hamstring problem and may play a part in this match.
Predicted line-ups
Luton Town: Ingram; Naismith, Bradley, Burke; Bell, Campbell, Clark, Lansbury, Bree; Cornick, Jerome
Huddersfield Town: Nicholls; Toffolo, Colwill, Lees, Turton; O'Brien, Hogg, Russell; Holmes, Ward, Sinani
Previous meetings
Huddersfield were 2-0 winners to move into third place in the last matchup on April 11th.
The Terriers took the lead just before the hour mark when Jon Russell expertly lobbed in following Pipa's short throw-in.
Adebayo missed from the spot in the 70th minute for Luton after Daniel Sinani brought down James Bree.
Naby Sarr made sure of the win in the final minute as he headed in a Thomas corner unopposed at the back post.
How to watch
The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Football. Coverage begins at 7pm UK time with kick-off set for 7:45pm.