Swans To Face Tough LDV Test

Swansea will face a stern test of character when they come up against League One run-away leaders Luton Town on Tuesday night in the LDV Vans Trophy. Mike Newell's side beat Peterborough 2-1 at the weekend to fight their way nine points clear at the top of League One - a quite remarkable feat after just ten games of the new season. So Tuesday could prove a tough match for the on-form Swans, but as always in this competition, the result could come down to the line-ups picked by both managers...

Luton Town started the season in fantastic form, winning all six of their August fixtures, earning Mike Newell manager of the month and stain the process. Oldham, Barnsley, Swindon, Blackpool, Torquay and Bournemouth were all dispatched in that opening month, with Chesterfield, Stockport and now Peterborough following in September. Sheffield Wednesday remain the only side in League One to claim any points off the leaders, in a 0-0 draw at Hillsborough earlier this month. However, Luton have already been beaten in the Carling Cup - by Swansea's League Two rivals Boston United, who saw them off 4-3 in a shock thriller at York Road.

There is no doubt that Luton Town are flying at the moment and after looking through their squad, it is no suprise why. Striker Steve Howard earned the League One player of the month for August after a series of vibrant displays, netting five times so far this season. Manager Mike Newell appears spoilt for choice in attack, with loanees Rowan Vine (Portsmouth) and Gary McSheffrey (Coventry) and the impressive Enoch Showumni all fighting for a place in the first team. Several members of the Luton Town squad have Premiership experience, including Ian Hillier, Paul Hughes, Alan Neilson and Marlon Beresford and their experience has aided in the development of several promising youngsters.

On paper, Mike Newell has a very capable squad to select from but as always in

Paul Connor - set to return after dead leg

the LDV Vans competition, supporters can never be too sure as to what side will be chosen. Many teams have used the LDV Trophy to blood youngsters and allow fringe players a chance to gain match experience and Newell could see Tuesday night's fixture as a great opportunity to do just this. However, the same could be said for Kenny Jackett who despite stating that he will be playing a full side, may also be considering gifting his fringe players the chance to impress - including the likes of Gary Fisken, Antonio Corbisiero, Brad Maylett and Alan Tate.

So Tuesday night's fixture will be interesting for those supporters who choose to brave the current Swansea wind and rain for an LDV treat. Luton could be without Marlon Beresford, after the first choice goalkeeper was forced out of their weekend fixture with a groin injury after just 15 minutes. Apart from this, Newell will have a virtually full squad to choose from.

New signing Scott Fitzgerald should start for Swansea after joining on a month's loan from Championship side Watford. Kenny Jackett has pledged to play a full side against Luton but has a potential injury crisis on his hands. Local media are reporting that both Kevin Nugent and Lee Trundle have picked up injuries, leaving only Connor and loanee Fitzgerald to start up front. However, Leon Hylton and James Thomas remain on the casualty list.