Two sides familiar with each other after facing off twice in last season’s Premier League clash in the first Monday night fixture of the new Championship season.
Luton host Burnley in a game many think will be significant even this early on in the season. After securing Premier League parachute payments and retaining most of their squads, the pair are tipped to be close to the top of the table come the end of the term.
Read on as we preview the big match.
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Luton Town vs Burnley
Monday, August 12, 8pm
Kenilworth Road, Luton, Hertfordshire
Live on Sky Sports
Luton vs Burnley Preview
Hosts Luton can hold their heads high after their time in the top flight, picking up some notable wins and surprising top clubs with organised and passionate performances.
However, it was not enough to keep them up and they will go at it again this season in the Championship. The Hatters have retained manager Rob Edwards, which is a big plus for morale and the structure of the team. In addition to keeping Edwards, Luton have made use of the free agent market, adding strength and depth in key areas with the signings of Reuell Walters and Shandon Baptiste from Arsenal and Bretford respectively.
Although, they could not keep their hands on star-man Ross Barkley. A key creative force and the focus for most of their attacking play, he has returned for a second stint at Aston Villa.
This game will provide a chance for Edwards to assess his squad properly and evaluate if further additions are needed, with the transfer market still open. But Luton will be hoping their current crop of players is sufficient for another promotion run.
Meanwhile, Burnley also have their sights firmly set on a Premier League return, with fans believing that nothing less will do as they attempt to reaffirm their top-flight status long term. Last season had some positive notes and performances but ultimately, they crashed back to the Championship with not too much to show for it.
Manager Vincent Kompany’s tactics did not translate to the Premier League and Burnley were overwhelmed by stronger opposition most weeks. Kompany has since left for the bright lights of Bayern Munich and ex-Spurs and England midfielder Scott Parker is now at the helm.
With both Premier League and Championship management experience, Parker could turn out to be a shrewd appointment. On the pitch, they have lost goalkeeper Arijanet Muric to Ipswich and Charlie Taylor on a free to Southampton.
But in contrast, they have spent big money and secured their main targets with Mike Tresor joining from Genk and Maxime Esteve coming in from Montpellier. With the window still open, could Burnley splash even more cash following Monday’s game?
Luton vs Burnley Odds
The odds are narrow going into this one, but Luton are billed as slight favourites at 2.43 to start the season with a win. Burnley fans may be slightly aggrieved to go into this one as underdogs, however, the Clarets sit only slightly behind with odds of 2.76 for victory.
Luton vs Burnley Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Feel the Burn
If you want to go against the odds and back the marginal underdogs, it may not be a bad move. Burnley have spent big this summer and are eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League. Among their new signings is striker Andreas Hountondji, who joined from Caen. Burnley to win and Hountondji to score is at 8.58.
Out of the Blue(ton)
The odds on this one are extremely close and it realistically could go either way. It will be a tough battle, with both teams fancying their chances. But if you back the favourites, Luton to win and both teams to score is at 4.50.
Carlton Goal
And if you are backing Luton to get on the scoresheet, the favourite to score is Carlton Morris. He sits at 2.88 to open his account for the season.
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