The success with Rovers’ switch to a back five against Watford doesn’t mean it’s here to stay, with Jon Dahl Tomasson looking for his side to be flexible.
Tomasson partnered summer signing Dom Hyam with fit-again pair Daniel Ayala and Scott Wharton as he switched to a back three in midweek, a formation he used extensively through pre-season.
It is one he’s not been able to use much during the opening weeks of the Championship season given the unavailability of central defenders within the squad.
A strong defensive structure limited Watford’s threat and helped Rovers to a fourth clean sheet of the season, but Tomasson was eager to point out that it will be principles of play, rather than formations, which will be his main focus.
He said: “I think you liked the Blackpool game as well and that was a backline of four.
“We should be flexible in our approach, depending on what the game needs.
“I said that I would like to be dominant with and without the ball and I think we should be able to change formation like that.
“Our principles are still the same, it doesn’t matter which formation, but we should be able to cope with that over time.”
Hayden Carter started against Blackpool and Bristol City in central defence following his return from a month on the injury list.
He moved to right wing-back against Watford with Callum Brittain still out injured.
His absence had seen captain Lewis Travis required to fill in, but Brittain will further strengthen Rovers’ options when he returns to the squad at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.
Carter will hope to have done enough to keep his place, with Tomasson believing it to be a position he can operate in, despite playing much of his football in the centre of the defence.
He added: “He has played there before, now I can use him in that position.
“He was playing as a central defender before. Everyone knows the squad has been stretched, it’s the first time I have made decisions and we are nine league games in.
“I had to disappoint people who weren’t involved.
“You need competition in the team to push each other. He played a good game but the other 10 did too.”
Tomasson is continuing to learn about the Championship’s challenges but is excited by a trip to ‘traditional’ Kenilworth Road.
Rovers take on the Hatters at their home which is known for its compact nature, something the head coach is well aware of.
As for Luton themselves, Nathan Jones’ side finished in the play-offs last term courtesy of a fine run of results in 2022 built on strong home form.
While they haven’t yet tasted victory in their opening five home matches, Tomasson isn’t underestimating the task at hand for his side this afternoon.
The extra height of going with a back five could therefore come in handy.
“It’s a big test so we need a good performance,” he explained.
“They are good in the way they play, direct, picking up second balls, set pieces, crosses into the box, they do an excellent job in that way.
“Hopefully we can stay calm and be brave to do the right things.
“I haven’t been there myself but I’ve heard that it’s a stadium where the pitch is quite close to the stands and I’m looking forward to it
“It’s traditional and that’s nice so I’m looking forward it.
“Last season they finished above us in sixth, so it’s going to be a nice challenge.”
Former Rovers left back Amari’i Bell will be eyeing a recall to the side after being on the bench for Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw with Coventry City.
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