Luton boss Nathan Jones admits he’d rather be playing a relegation rival or promotion hopeful in tonight’s must-win survival clash because mid-table Blackburn can arrive at Kenilworth Road free of nerves and dangerous.
The Hatters go into the final match of the Championship season knowing that a victory will lift them out of the bottom three because of the 12-point deduction that will be applied to Wigan after the final whistle of their clash with promotion-chasing Fulham.
While the Latics are appealing that punishment for going into administration and must wait to the end of the month to hear the outcome, Town will also be safe if they win and one or all of Birmingham, Middlesbrough or Charlton fail to take three points.
To add to the permutations, the Addicks face newly-crowned champions Leeds at Elland Road and Luton boss Jones says he rather be doing something similar tonight because facing Blackburn – who the Hatters beat at Ewood Park – presents its own problems.
“If I’m honest, I would probably rather play someone that’s on a knife edge like we are because I think a lot can happen,” said the Welshman, adding: “Blackburn can play with freedom. You can read it one of two ways, so I don’t know they’re motivation.
“I’m not sure. I can’t second guess what Blackburn are going to do. The other teams (Charlton, Middlesbrough and Birmingham) have to win and in those games a lot can happen. Nerves can get to some people.
“I’m not sure Blackburn are coming here with that nervousness and that makes them a dangerous side.”
