Goalscorer James Collins is not sure that empty stadia will be a benefit to away teams, when football returns this weekend, despite that proving something of a trend in the Bundesliga.
While Championship action resumes again for Luton on Saturday, the German top-flight returned to action on May 16, after football’s shutdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Before last night’s round of games, out of 59 matches played, home sides have triumphed just under 24 per cent of the time, with only 14 home wins, whereas, before football was suspended, home teams had won 43 per cent of matches this season.
With fans not yet permitted to gather in large sporting events in England, due to ongoing social distancing measures, Town will face Preston North End in an empty Kenilworth Road on Saturday.
It will be the first of five home games for the Hatters, in a nine-game season finale, packed into a busy month, which in normal circumstances would have been a promising run-in for a second-from-bottom team six points adrift of safety.
But as the Bundesliga has shown, with a host of victories for away teams, that may not prove advantageous for Town’s survival bid.
Asked if that’s a concern, Collins said: No, I don’t think so. I don’t know if that’s just coincidence, but not playing in front of a crowd at Kenilworth Road might not be as intimidating to people coming to our place, but I don’t know if it will make a difference or not.
“I suppose it could give us an advantage going away to teams as well. Obviously, when we go to Elland Road, we’re not going to be playing in front of 40,000 fans geeing them (Leeds) on. It’s whatever way you look at it, it will either go in your favour or not.”
Meanwhile, the Hatters have asked fans to stay at home, with season ticket holders able to stream all home and away fixtures using iFollow.
Strict plans have been put in place by the EFL and Luton to ensure government guidelines are met and the safety of everyone involved is of the highest priority.
Assistant manager Mick Harford said: “The Luton Town fans are the best in the country and when they get behind the team at Kenilworth Road, they are more than a 12th man to us. We will miss every single one of them during these five remaining home matches. But for their safety as well as ours, we have to ask them for now that when we play, please stay away.
“Hopefully we can all be back together on a match day soon, but only when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we know every Luton Town supporter will be right behind us while watching on iFollow and we’ll be giving it everything for them to ensure we stay in the Championship.”
PC Steve Mason from Bedfordshire Police said: “Whether you’re a Hatter or are looking forward to watching all football matches from today, please continue to stay alert to the virus and don’t gather in groups on match days.
“It may be tempting to visit the ground, but the best way to support the game is by watching at home and preventing the spread of the virus. This is a step in the right direction and we can all help to get the game we love back by continuing to follow government guidance.”
Cllr Sian Timoney, Deputy Leader of Luton Council, said: “I know so many of you are excited about the season re-starting after many weeks without football – it really will lift spirits across the town.
“But can I remind you all that we are still fighting a deadly virus so please don’t gather in groups or meet up with friends to watch the game. The risk is far too high. Stay at home and support the Luton Town team over the next few weeks as they fight hard for us all to stay in the Championship.”
More details about how to watch Luton Town matches are available on the club’s website.
