Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink prepares to embark on his first home encounter as Burton Albion manager, as high-flying Luton Town are welcomed to the Pirelli Stadium in the showcase fixture amongst this week’s action in League Two.

Hasselbaink has enjoyed success in his albeit limited time with Burton to date, with an impressive 3-1 victory over Wycombe in front of Sky Sports cameras preventing the Wanderers from reclaiming the top spot in the table. That mantel was claimed by Luton, the next challenger in Hasselbaink’s management challenge, with the former Chelsea striker knowing that a win could take Burton themselves to the top of a congested League Two tree should results go their way.

In Luton, however, stiff opposition is more than suitably provided. The Hatters have gone 11 league games unbeaten, a run stretching back to the early stages of September following an early season run that saw them struggling for form and at risk of returning to the Conference following their first season back in the Football League.

Whilst goals have hardly been costless-flowing from John Still’s men – just 20 from 17 league games – Luton’s ability to grind out results has almost been a second nature to them, whilst their solid defensive line ensured a run of seven consecutive victories, a run halted by Exeter at the beginning of the month. That result proved to be nothing more than a blip for Luton, although any point away from home is not to be sniffed at, picking up three points as well as an FA Cup victory in subsequent games against Tranmere and Newport County respectively.

Burton’s own form pre-Hasselbaink had been patchy, to say the least. Eight defeats in the last 13 in all competitions before the Wycombe victory had threatened to derail an outstanding start to the campaign, although to be within two points off the top of the table after that run pays homage to former boss Gary Rowett, who elected to take a step up to second tier football and Championship strugglers Birmingham.

In the days leading up to this heavyweight clash, Hasselbaink has talked of the fantastic response he has received from his squad, but insists that values need to be maintained if they wish to get all three points against Luton.

“We’ll need the same high standard [as shown against Wycombe]. Luton have done really well of late. They play good football and have some very good players who make a difference.” said Hasselbaink to the Club website.

“They are well organised and they’re a team rather than individuals. They work hard but they also have good quality.

“I would like to see a good atmosphere from the fans and see them push the team to go for a win”

Luton boss, Still, has also talked about the importance of fans in this game, as the team prepares to make the 100 mile trip to the Midlands with 2000 fans accompanying them.

"Knowing we're taking that kind of a support is a boost," Still told the Club site.

“Knowing that when you need a bit of help they're there close with you, is a massive thing.”

"We have a well-run football club; a team who can compete at the level it plays at; and fantastic backing on the terraces. What more could you want?"

Luton go into the game with little injury concerns, with just Alex Lawless, Ross Lafayette and Paul Connolly on the treatment table as they look to extend their one-point lead at the summit from Shrewsbury Town. The Shrews make the trip to mid-table Exeter City this weekend, whilst third-placed Wycombe look to recover from their Burton beating by making the journey to Cheltenham. Bottom-side Hartlepool host York City, with both sides focused more on beating the drop than advancing up the division at this stage of the campaign.

League Two Fixtures (all Saturday 15:00 GMT)

Accrington Stanley v Cambridge United

Burton Albion v Luton Town

Bury v Newport County

Cheltenham Town v Wycombe Wanderers

Dagenham and Redbridge v Carlisle United

Exeter City v Shrewsbury City

Hartlepool United v York City

Mansfield v Plymouth Argyle

Northampton Town v Stevenage

Oxford United v AFC Wimbledon

Portsmouth v Morecambe

Tranmere Rovers v Southend United

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