Walsall entertain the Hatters this weekend in a match shaping up to be an intriguing encounter. With the central midfield issue unresolved and no new loan signing, there are fears Walsall could come undone in the middle of the pitch.

Fear not, we think, as Luton have problems of their own, both on and off the pitch. As a side expecting to be back in the Championship next season they’ve spent (and spent) assembling an expensive and experienced squad. Of course, experienced means old, creaky and on their last legs, and expensive means the liniment bill goes up, so theoretically, while the Luton paper squad looks good, they’ve actually assembled a collection of codgers on their last payday.

Add to the mix a season of underperformance, by their fans expectations as well as their own, and a whole raft of FA charges relating to bungs to agents over the last three years, for a sum a lot higher than 10′/6-, and there may be trouble ahead for the Hatters.

Since Newell walked the plank and Blackwell took over, they’ve failed miserably to produce anything like the form, style or substance that took them to the Championship, and Blackwell’s days must surely be numbered, although no doubt he’ll be given to time to be judged on his own players.

Despite the midfield weaknesses we’re reasonably solid at the back, the squad’s gelling more completely as time passes, and with options at the front with Ricketts and Mooney. This coupled with Luton’s off-field antics means a home win.

One to watch from them: Marc Wilson, a young Portsmouth loan midfielder, should he start the match. Also check Blackwell’s face colour as his blood pressure goes up.

Back to Australia for Allan Picken as his troublesome injury fails to clear.  With only the remainder of the season on his contract and little opportunity to prove himself, the Saddlers have finally bitten the bullet and sent him home to continue his recovery.

All the best, Allan - sorry to see you go.

In other team news, Dobbo’s out for around a month, Bradley’s on international duty with Wales, and Boertien reckons he might be playing at Christmas.