Luton Town make their Premier League debut with an away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium.
Brighton enter this season looking to build upon a shock sixth-placed finish last season, whilst Luton are back in the top-flight after a 31-year absence – having been relegated the season before the Premier League commenced.
Team News
Moises Caicedo is unlikely for Brighton as speculation continues to swirl surrounding his future at the club amidst interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, although he sat out their friendly 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano last weekend with a hamstring injury.
Jakub Moder (knee) remains ruled out indefinitely.
Bart Verbruggen, Igor, James Milner, Mahmoud Dahoud and Joao Pedro could make their competitive debuts for the Seagulls.
Luton could be without summer signing, Mads Andersen after he was struck down by illness during the week, which prevented him from participating in training.
Jordan Clark, Dan Potts (both knock), Gabriel Osho (knee) and Reece Burker (groin) are ruled out.
Thomas Kaminski, Chiedozie Ogbene, Tahith Chong, Ross Barkley and Jacob Brown are amongst summer signings set for their competitive debuts for the Hatters.
When is Kick-Off?
Brighton face Luton at AMEX Stadium on Saturday 12 August at 3pm BST, albeit untelevised in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Brighton are unbeaten in three of their last five league meetings against Luton (W2, D1, L2), although this is their first Premier League clash.
- Luton have won just one of their last five league visits to Brighton (W1, D1, L4).
- Brighton have kept just one clean sheet in their last six home matches against Luton.
- Six of Brighton’s seven pre-season goals were scored by Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra, who all scored two goals apiece.
- Luton kept just one clean sheet during pre-season (W3, D2, L1).
Prediction
After their stunning exploits last season, Brighton now face a tricky season with Europa League football to come so maximising their results in these opening weeks which will be crucial and this is the perfect opening game for them to kick off their new campaign with.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls have also recruited well with some impressive signings like Bart Verbruggen, Milner and Joao Pedro, who will add some fresh quality following Robert Sanchez and Alexis Mac Allister‘s exits although the latter will be a huge loss in their midfield.
Luton meanwhile were excellent in the Championship last season with their counter-pressing style but this is a huge step up, which they can’t afford to underestimate because they might need to play more defensive at times against high-pressing teams.
The Hatters however have spent wisely in the transfer market with strong reinforcement whilst giving themselves a solid squad, which will give them a serious shot at promotion next season if they were to be relegated this season.
Looking solely at this game though, Brighton should dominate but should be aware of Luton who will surely look to switch from counterpress into fast-paced attacks, although I do feel like the Seagulls will have enough to deny Luton a fairytale bow.
Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Luton
Result: Brighton 4-1 Luton
Leave a Reply