PREVIEW: Swindon Town v Luton Town (EFL Trophy)

Swindon are back in EFL Trophy action on Tuesday night (December 6) as the controversial competition has now reached the knockout stages.

The EFL Trophy has recieved an overwhelming backlash from fans and pundits alike as the plan to reformat the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, originally competed by League One and Two clubs, now features Premier League and Championship B teams - more commonly known as 'Development', 'Under 23' or 'Under 21' sides - something never properly clarified by the EFL.

This rule change, which many supporters saw as a gateway for a restructuring of the Football League to feature B teams (much like in leagues such as Spain, Germany and Portugal), meant that there was an initial group stage - with Swindon winning their group ahead of Oxford United, Exeter and Chelsea Development.

Partly as a result of the EFL Trophy critisism, the FA have decided against allowing B teams into the Football League going forward, but there are no confirmed plans to scrap the EFL Trophy in its current set-up.

Swindon's meeting with League Two Luton Town is part of the first knockout round, which consists of two groups of 16 regionalised teams.

Eight northern teams will progress, as will eight southern teams and, from round three onwards, the draw will be 'free' meaning northern and southern teams can play each other.

Luton finished as runners up in southern group G behind leaders Millwall but ahead of Gillingham and the West Brom youth side. 

In terms of team news, Swindon have no fresh injury problems but Tom Smith, who played the second half against Bradford in the 1-0 win at left-back, is suspended (EFL Trophy suspensions are from that competition alone and don't carry on to or from League One).

There has been no clarification on the situation of Yaser Kasim's ankle injury, however, by the nature of Swindon having a ten-day break from one fixture to the next, the Iraq international could be in contention. 

Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill (also ankle), suffured against Bradford City, is facing a late fitness test but James Brophy is over his breathing problems and the management are not expecting those issues to happen again for a third time this season.