Prediction: Luton vs Brighton

Verdict: Brighton win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to extend on their top-six charge in midweek, Brighton will travel to Kenilworth Road Road on Tuesday night when they meet Luton.

Luton

Starting with the hosts, while Luton might find themselves firmly at the heart of a relegation scrap, the Hatters have certainly gained plenty of admirers since making their famous Premier League return. Extending on their FA Cup adventure over the weekend as they snatched a last-gasp 2-1 victory away at Everton, the mood in Rob Edwards’ camp should be at a continued high. Despite signing off 2023 with an action-packed 3-2 defeat at home against Chelsea, that is the only loss that Luton have suffered from any of their previous seven domestic appearances across all competitions. With that extended flurry stemming back to a 2-1 defeat against defending champions Manchester City on December 10th, the Hatters have impressed with their rugged performances. However, opening the midweek fixtures sat one-point adrift of Premier League safety, Edwards’ side should be concerned by their reverse top-flight showdown against Brighton. Hit with a routine 4-1 loss when they travelled to the Amex back on August 12th, Luton should face a similar stern examination here.

Team News

Featuring for Burkina Faso at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Luton will be without the services of Isak Kabore on Tuesday night. Likewise, both still dealing with respective long-term issues, the duo of Tom Lockyer and former Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba will not feature here.

While Elijah Adebayo might have managed to register just a single strike from any of his previous eight appearances across all competitions, the 26-year-old should spearhead Luton’s charge. Continuing to shine since arriving on a free transfer over the summer, former England international Ross Barkley will have a leading role to play.

Brighton

As for the visitors, extending on their FA Cup adventure over the weekend as they secured a lively 5-2 victory away at Sheffield United, Brighton will be looking to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, although Roberto De Zerbi’s side might be dreaming of the chance to book another top-six finish this season, the Seagulls are seeking some recent stability. Having to settle for back-to-back 0-0 stalemates against Wolves and West Ham in their previous two Premier League appearances, Brighton have recorded just a single top-flight victory since they snatched a 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest back on November 25th. Desperate to make up some ground in the top-six chase here, the one-time Sassuolo boss should be smelling a potential opportunity on Tuesday night. Storming their way to that routine 4-1 romp when they welcomed Luton to the Amex for their reverse Premier League battle on August 12th, De Zerbi will be calling on a repeat performance at Kenilworth Road.

Team News

Away with Japan at this month’s Asia Cup, Kaoru Mitoma will once again miss out on Tuesday night. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Brighton will travel to Kenilworth Road without the likes of Joel Veltman, Solly March, Julio Enciso and Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati.

Bagging an FA Cup hat-trick away at Sheffield United over the weekend and now registering seven strikes in his previous five appearances across all competitions, former Watford striker Joao Pedro will spearhead De Zerbi’s charge here. Handed a full rest at Bramall Lane, veteran midfielder James Milner could make a full return.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Luton and Brighton met for their reverse Premier League meeting on August 12th, the Seagulls clinched a 4-1 romp on home soil.
• Tuesday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Brighton have recorded just a single Premier League victory since November 25th.
• Joao Pedro has bagged seven strikes in his previous five domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Luton have won just a pair of their previous 11 straight showdowns at Kenilworth Road.

Conclusion

While Luton might be desperate to find a route out of the drop zone in midweek, Edwards’ camp should face a tricky test here. Although Brighton might have recorded just a single Premier League victory since the end of November, the Seagulls will be excited by their reverse Premier League showdown against Tuesday’s hosts. Storming their way to a routine 4-1 romp when they welcomed Luton to the Amex back on August 12th, De Zerbi’s side are rightfully tipped as a standout contender. With the Hatters winning just a pair of their previous 11 contests in front of their own supporters, we are predicting an away win here.

Verdict: Brighton win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet