Prediction: Luton Town vs Burnley

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 21/11

Bookmaker: BetUS

Luton Town and Burnley, both relegated from the Premier League, will face off at Kenilworth Road on Monday evening as they begin their Championship campaigns.

This match marks the first time since 2009 that two teams demoted from the Premier League have opened a second-tier season against each other, with both setting their sights at returning quickly to the top flight.

Luton Town

Despite a commendable effort in their first top-flight campaign in 31 years, Luton were ultimately relegated last season, finishing 18th in the Premier League. The Hatters managed just one win in their final 17 matches, ending up six points short of safety. Even with Rob Edwards receiving praise for his work at Kenilworth Road, the team couldn’t avoid the drop.

Now, Edwards faces the challenge of rebuilding with the goal of making an immediate return to the Premier League. Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Luton’s pre-season began with a 2-1 loss to Danish club AGF Aarhus. They followed this with one win, two defeats, and a draw, finishing their summer preparations on a low note with a 3-1 home loss to Celta Vigo.

Last season, Luton opened with a 4-1 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion and only managed four home wins throughout the campaign. However, they are hoping for a much better performance in the Championship.

Nevertheless, the Hatters haven’t won in their last eight league encounters with Burnley, managing only a single point against the Clarets last season.

Team News

Luton will start the new season facing a defensive injury crisis, with Teden Mengi suffering a knee injury last week, adding to the absences of Amari’i Bell, Mads Andersen, Daiki Hashioka, and Reece Burke.

With Dan Potts and Gabriel Osho departing earlier this summer, the only defenders definitely available for the hosts are Tom Holmes, Reuell Walters and Joe Johnson.

In attack, Carlton Morris, who impressed with 11 goals in last season’s Premier League campaign, is expected to captain the team. Midfield will feature new signing Shandon Baptiste.

Burnley

Burnley, who secured a 4-0 win at Luton last October, have now won four consecutive away games against their opening-day opponents. Extending this streak would be an ideal way for Scott Parker to begin his tenure as manager.

Following their relegation from the Premier League, Burnley saw manager Vincent Kompany and assistant Craig Bellamy depart for Bayern Munich and the Wales national team, respectively. In response, the club appointed Parker, a Championship specialist, to lead their push for promotion.

Parker has been active in the summer transfer market and has evaluated his new squad in several behind-closed-doors friendlies against Barnsley, Celtic, Hearts, and Newcastle United.

In their pre-season preparations, Burnley played to a 0-0 draw with newly-promoted La Liga side Leganes and wrapped up their week-long training camp in Spain with a 1-1 draw against Cadiz.

Burnley is typically among the promotion contenders and has not lost their first fixture in any of their last six Championship campaigns. Ensuring they at least take a point on Monday will be Parker’s primary focus.

Team News

Burnley will begin their Championship campaign without long-term absentees Aaron Ramsey and Nathan Redmond, as well as Jordan Beyer and Belgian winger Mike Tresor. However, Luca Koleosho and Zeki Amdouni are both available for selection despite recent fitness concerns.

With Sander Berge and Dara O’Shea linked to potential Premier League moves, their starting roles are uncertain. Up front, Lyle Foster, who scored at Kenilworth Road last year, will compete with recent signing Andreas Hountondji for a spot in the attack. Meanwhile, former Ipswich Town goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky and James Trafford will vie for the starting position between the posts.

Conclusion

Burnley have the opportunity to extend their strong record against Luton in their Championship opener. With the Hatters struggling with injuries and slow in securing new signings, the Clarets’ deeper squad could give them the edge in this encounter.

Despite most bookies favouring Luton, an away win appears more likely.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 21/11

Bookmaker: BetUS