After a mixed start to the season, Luton Town have found a strong run of results in recent months, earning eight wins and 24 points from their 12 games since the beginning of December.
Nathan Jones’s men now head into this weekend’s clash with Derby having won five of their last seven second-tier outings, most recently bouncing back from the only defeat in that spell with back-to-back wins.
After falling to a disappointing 3-0 loss against Birmingham City, the Hatters returned to winning ways in style as Cameron Jerome and Allan Campbell got on the scoresheet in a 2-0 defeat of West Bromwich Albion, before making it two straight wins on Wednesday.
Jones took his side to battle with former club Stoke City, and goals from Danny Hylton and Jerome ensured they left with all three points despite Lewis Baker pulling a goal back for the hosts in the dying minutes.
As a result of their eye-catching run, Luton have climbed to eighth spot, and, with sixth-placed Sheffield United just two points ahead, they can give their playoff hopes another huge boost with a third straight victory on Saturday.
However, Derby County also arrive desperate for a win, albeit for the opposite purpose as they look to strengthen their chances of survival.
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Having been dealt a 21-point deduction, Wayne Rooney’s side looked all but condemned to relegation, but they have kept themselves in the fight for survival thanks to their inspired performances across the campaign.
The Rams were able to leapfrog Peterborough and move to 22nd spot with a win over the Posh last weekend, but their hopes took a dent on Wednesday, as the Pride Park outfit were defeated 2-1 on home turf by Millwall, with a late Lions own goal not enough for Rooney’s men to salvage a result.
That defeat, combined with a victory for Reading, has seen Derby move eight points adrift of safety, and, with only 13 games left to bridge that gap, the Rams will know they require an eye-catching end to the season if they are to defy all odds and steer clear of the drop this term
