Luton Town look to cause a cupset as Nathan Jones’ Hatters host Chelsea at Kenilworth Road in Fifth Round of 2021-22 FA Cup.
Victory would see Luton qualify for the Quarter-Finals for the first time since reaching the last four of 1993-94 FA Cup.
Chelsea meanwhile are seeking a sixth Quarter-Final appearance in the last seven seasons with a win here.
Team News
Robert Snodgrass could be in line for his Luton debut after joining the club as a a free agent, following his departure from West Bromwich Albion.
Henri Lansbury and Elijah Adebayo are both considered doubtful after picking up knocks in Saturday’s win against Derby.
Luke Berry (hamstring), Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (fatigue) and Jordan Clark (leg) could also be in contention if declared match fit but Sonny Bradley (hernia) remains ruled out.
Chelsea could welcome Hakim Ziyech back after he missed their Carabao Cup Final defeat with an Achilles injury.
Cesar Azpilicueta (knock) and Andreas Christiansen (Achilles) are doubts but Ben Chilwell (knee) remains absent.
Stat Attack
- Luton have won just one of five clashes against Chelsea in four previous FA Cup ties (W1, D1, L3).
- Chelsea have lost their only previous FA Cup visit to Luton (L1), losing 2-0 in a Third Round replay in January 1935.
- No previous FA Cup tie between Luton and Chelsea have been played in the month of March, with four previous clashes held in January and one game played in April.
- Seven different players has scored goals for Luton in their two FA Cup matches this season (W2).
- Chelsea have won four of their last five away FA Cup ties (W4, L1).
Prediction
With just two defeats in their last 15 matches in all competitions on top of a great home record this season, Luton certainly should believe that they can produce a cupset in front of an electric Kenilworth Road crowd but they probably need to get the first goal to create that chance.
Chelsea meanwhile were excellent against an aggressive pressing Liverpool on Sunday at Wembley but lacked the clinical edge, which is the least of Thomas Tuchel’s worries after his players were taken the distance in a physical battle.
Much of this game therefore probably will boil down to Chelsea’s squad selection but if Luton can score first and really take the game to Chelsea across 90 minutes, I can sense a cupset coming otherwise this could be over quickly if the visitors show an instant reaction to Sunday’s loss.
Prediction: Luton 1-2 Chelsea
Result: Luton 2-3 Chelsea
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