CHERRIES must be wary of Luton’s aerial presence when they welcome the Hatters to Vitality Stadium this afternoon (3pm).
That is according to head coach Andoni Iraola, who has labelled Cherries’ upcoming opponents as one of the best crossers of the ball in the top-flight.
Cherries are one of the form sides in the Premier League, currently boasting a five-game unbeaten run, whilst in comparison, Rob Edwards’ Luton Town’s are without a win in three.
The Basque boss also highlighted former Chelsea man Ross Barkley as one to watch alongside pointing out the Hatters’ proficiency at set-pieces.
So far this term, Luton have scored eight of their 15 goals from set-pieces, including two penalties.
He told the Daily Echo: “They are very good at set-pieces. They are one of the best at crossing balls. You have to be very ready to defend your box.
“They have very good wide players. Ross Barkley is in a very good moment, full of confidence.
“We have to be ready to cover in the middle and out wide.
“We have to be very good in both boxes, because I think the game will be won or lost there.
“They can go different ways. They have speed, physicality.”
So far this term Luton’s goals have been shared around the playing staff at Kenilworth Road, Carlton Morris leading the way with four.
Asked if it was harder to approach a game when a team had no threat head-and-shoulders above the rest, Iraola continued: “It’s always difficult normally to get the starting 11 and more or less there’s always one or two surprises.
“But we know the players they can put up front. They can go different ways. They have the speed in some players.
“They have the physicality, the aerial threats.
“We know that, like with all the teams in the Premier League, we will face difficult duels, especially our defenders.”