Luton Town v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Luton host Chelsea in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Hatters have won three of their last six matches and are just one point from safety with a game in hand. The Blues have lost their last four away fixtures in the league but managed a 3-0 win over Luton earlier this season at home.

Luton Town Form

After losing their opening four league matches, Luton have since adjusted to life in the top-flight with four wins in their last 13 matches. They won 2-1 at Everton in round six but their next six fixtures only yielded two points, including a 1-1 home draw with Liverpool as he conceded in the last minute. Their last six matches have brought three wins and three defeats.

Luton beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at home then lost 3-1 at Brentford and 4-3 at home to Arsenal in the 97th minute. After a 2-1 home loss to Man City, they have won successive fixtures. They were excellent in a 1-0 home win over Newcastle and scored two goals in the final 13 minutes to win 3-2 at Sheffield United on Boxing Day. They allowed 2.59 xG and only proceeded 0.63 xG themselves in a smash-and-grab win.

Luton Town Team News

Coach Rob Edwards may be without speedy right wingback Issa Kabore once again due to injury. Captain Tom Lockyer will play no part after his heart problems and Gabriel Osho will anchor the back three in his absence.

Dan Potts, Reece Burke, and Marvelous Nakamba are all out injured for this one. Jordan Clark is ill but could be available. Albert Sambi Lokonga excelled on Boxing Day and will again partner Ross Barkley in central midfield.

Luton Town Motivation

At home, the Hatters play a fast transition game. They look to win the ball in the midfield and release their speedy front three.

As against Arsenal, they will carry a big threat on set pieces. A draw here would be seen as a fine result but they may also believe they can beat a struggling Chelsea side.

Chelsea Form

The Blues have had a dire season and sit 10th in the table with eight losses in their 19 matches. Things look to be on the up after winning 4-1 at nine-man Spurs and drawing 4-4 at home to Man City. Unfortunately, they have lost four of their last seven matches, all on the road. A 4-1 loss at Newcastle came before a 3-2 home win against Brighton with ten men.

They were abject in a 2-1 loss at Man Utd and a 2-0 loss away at Everton. A 2-0 home win over Sheffield United was followed by a 1-1 home draw with Newcastle and a win on penalties in the Carabao Cup. Another away loss followed at Wolves, but they scored an 89th minute winner on Wednesday at home to beat Crystal Palace 2-1.

Chelsea Team News

Pochettino has Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer back from suspensions and both are pushing to start. Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Ben Chilwell remain out injured in defence. Enzo Fernandez is not expected to be available in midfield.

Christopher Nkunku may be ready to start another match as the number ten. Djordje Petrovic will replace the injured Robert Sanchez in goal. Thiago Silva is set to return to the XI but Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are both injured.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues will see this as a must-win game. They’re a full 12 points off the top four and can’t afford a slip-up.

Pochettino will look to attack and will add extra attackers from the bench if the score is level in the second half.

Key Stats

Luton have won 3 of their last 6 league matches (WLLLWW)

Luton have scored in 8 of their 9 home matches in the league this season

Luton have lost 5 of their 9 home matches this term (14 goals conceded)

Chelsea have lost their last 4 away EPL matches

Chelsea have won 2 of their last 3 league matches

Verdict

This match will be tight, and Luton caused Arsenal a massive scare recently. Chelsea are slowly getting some injured players back and Nkunku has already made a big difference. The Blues may eke out three points at Kenilworth Road.

Best Bet: Chelsea win at 1.58
Value Bet: Chelsea win and Both Teams to Score at 3.25
Goalscorer Tip: Nkunku to score anytime at 2.80

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis