Coyne probably out for local derby

Last updated : 01 January 2006 By Peter Bulkeley
Leon Barnett will probably partner Marcus Heikkinen in the centre of defence for Luton. Steve Howard is likely to return to the first team after being dropped to the bench for a rest at Portman Road. Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney will probably make way for Luton's third highest goalscorer of the post-war era.

Watford also look like having a full squad available tomorrow. Ashley Young, currently the Hornets' second top scorer, may start after returning from an injury earlier than expected. Young came on as a substitute against Crystal Palace on New Year's Eve and played 60 minutes with no adverse effects. Matthew Spring is set for a return to Kenilworth Road, with a warm reception very unlikely.

The last meeting between Luton and Watford was in the League Cup in 2002. Goals from Matthew Spring and Steve Howard gave Luton a 2-1 victory on that occasion, with Dominic Foley scoring what turned out to be a consolation goal with ten minutes to go. However, the last meeting at Kenilworth Road was much less enjoyable for Luton. The Hatters suffered a 4-0 defeat in 1997 to Watford, with all the goals in the first half. The last Luton victory against Watford at Kenilworth Road was a 2-1 victory in 1993. Town fans will certainly be hoping for a repeat scoreline tomorrow, although one thing that will hopefully be missing from this year's derbies will be the violence that saw numerous 'fans' arrested in 2002.