Luton vs Chelsea: Preview, Team News & Predictions
Chelsea will be in search of scant consolation to a pitiful calendar year when they travel to Luton Town in Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Blues recorded an unconvincing, yet much needed, 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on the 27th, courtesy of a late penalty from super substitute Noni Madueke.
They initially led following Mykhailo Mudryk’s early strike but despite chunks of possession and clear-cut chances, a stunning Michael Olise volley at the back post saw the game level until the 89th minute.
Chelsea did run away 3-0 winners against Luton Town in what was Mauricio Pochettino’s first Premier League win as Blues manager. This, however, feels like a different kettle of fish against Rob Edwards and co., who have taken down Sheffield United and Newcastle United in their last two games.
A win for the Hatters would take them above Everton and out of the bottom three. Their impressive home record, particularly at the back, should make it a closely contested affair.
Team News
Luton Town
Luton could be handed a vital boost if Jordan Clark returns from illness. Their injury list includes Reece Burke, Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore, Dan Potts and Marvelous Nakamba.
Skipper Tom Lockyer continues his recovery from the cardiac arrest suffered earlier this month.
Chelsea
Chelsea boss Pochettino spoke cautiously over debutant Romeo Lavia’s fitness, stating, “I’m a little bit worried about Lavia. He finished with some issues, but I hope it’s not a big issue.”
Enzo Fernandez is another recent addition to the medical bay following his hernia setback, while the management staff might have to take decisions around Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, who made starts but have a short turnaround heading into the early kick-off.
All of Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah are sidelined.
On the positive side, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer are back from suspension.
Predicted XI
Luton Town (3-4-2-1): Kaminski; Osho, Mengi, Bell; Doughty, Barkley, Lokonga, Giles; Townsend, Morris; Adebayo
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja
Match Prediction
Luton are a resolute team in their backyard. It takes courage and conviction to breach their stubborn back line, let alone brush them aside. A wasteful team such as Chelsea, who have fluffed more big chances than any other team across the division, will know they have to take control of what they manufacture.
It could be a game on a knife’s edge later, with the tourists emerging victorious, by the slimmest of margins.
Predicted score: Luton Town 0-1 Chelsea
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: LTFC Wellingborough. This work has been released into the public domain by its author, LTFC Wellingborough, at the English Wikipedia project. This applies worldwide.