Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
Two sides who have the honour of opening the new Championship campaign, Middlesbrough will travel to a returning Kenilworth Road on Friday night.
Luton
Starting with Friday’s hosts, while a 5-1 hammering against Premier League returners Norwich in their final pre-season appearance may have put a dampener on what was becoming an enjoyable summer for Luton, the mood in Graeme Jones’ camp should be on a high. Securing back-to-back promotions and making a Championship return for the first time in 12 years, a huge part of the Hatters’ League One title charge came down to their form in the final third. Bagging 90 domestic goals last season, the best return of any side in the third-tier, one man to watch on Friday night will be last year’s leading marksman, James Collins. Picking up the Golden Boot with 25 strikes last season, the 28-year-old also recorded two goals during pre-season. Despite gaining a long list of plaudits during their title-winning season, there still remains some concerns over Luton’s defensive issues. Likely to still be feeling the effects of both Jack Stacey and James Justin securing Premier League moves this summer, the Hatters have managed to record just a pair of clean sheets in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Team News
Star strikers Danny Hylton and James Collins should lead the line for Luton, whilst Callum McManaman could be in line for his Hatters debut.
Middlesbrough
As for the visitors, despite showing some signs of a fight at the back end of last season, Middlesbrough missed out on the play-offs on the final round of fixtures and a hostile environment saw Tony Pulis removed from his role. Now turning to former defender Jonathan Woodgate in an attempt to find a route back to the Premier League this season, the new man in charge at the Riverside has promised to bring a more attacking identity. Picking up a 1-1 draw against Saint-Étienne in the final pre-season outing, Boro have lost just one of their last five appearances, with that defeat coming in a 5-1 hammering away at German outfit Heidenheim. While Luton may have one leading marksman enjoying a purple patch, Middlesbrough have their own leading man who is expected to lead their charge this season. Bagging a hat-trick against Salford in their penultimate pre-season appearance, Britt Assombalonga has continued to catch the eye over the summer. Forming a blossoming relationship with former West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher, it is also worth noting that the DR Congo international scored four goals in his final five Championship matchups last season.
Team News
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Tomas Mejias is set to start in goal for Boro as Darren Randolph recovers from an ankle injury, with fellow new signings Marcus Browne and Marc Bola also pushing for a place.
Key Factors to Consider
- Luton have recorded just one clean sheet in their last seven matches across all competitions.
- Friday’s guests have seen six of their last eight matches end with both teams finding the net.
- Luton striker James Collins bagged 25 League One goals last season.
- Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga scored a hat-trick against Salford and also scored four goals in his last five Championship appearances.
- This is the first meeting between the two sides.
Conclusion
On paper, this has all the makings of a matchup the should produce plenty of chances at both ends. While both Luton and Middlesbrough may have two leading men who have continued to shine in the final third, there remain some defensive issues for both Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Jones. With 10 of the last 13 matches between both sides seeing both teams find the net within 90 minutes, we’re backing a similar result on Friday night.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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