The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the upcoming Premier League clash between Luton Town and Chelsea at Kenilworth Road.
The 2023/24 Premier League season resumes this weekend with Gameweek 20, as the second half of the campaign begins. The latest round of fixtures will kick off at Kenilworth Road, where a resurgent Luton Town will host Chelsea.
Luton Town had a trial by fire to begin the 2023/24 season, the club’s first in the Premier League. But the Hatters have been a stubborn team under Rob Edwards, who has overseen two wins in a row this past week. Chelsea will also head into the game on the back of a win in the Boxing Day fixtures. But the Blues have failed to overturn their fortunes under Mauricio Pochettino and are tenth in the standings.
Where To Watch Luton Town vs Chelsea
Luton Town vs Chelsea will kick off at 12:30 pm GMT at Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon. TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate will broadcast the game in the UK. As for readers in India, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports Select 1 will telecast the match, while Disney+ Hotstar will stream it.
Viewers in the USA can catch the match on the USA Network, while the NBC app will stream it. Optus Sport will telecast the fixture in Australia.
Form
Luton Town: WLLLWW
Luton Town will head into this weekend’s game on the back of two successive wins, beating Sheffield United and Newcastle United. Before this run, they had lost three games in a row but gave a good account of themselves against Manchester City and Arsenal. The Hatters have usually taken the game to every big-name opponent thus far this term.
Chelsea: LLWWLW
Chelsea will also come into Saturday’s game on the back of a victory this week. They beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. But the Blues have struggled on the road, losing their last four away games. The most recent of these defeats came last weekend at the Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Head-To-Head Record
The head-to-head record between Chelsea and Luton Town favours the West London club, albeit only marginally. The Blues have won 20 games, with Luton claiming 14 victories (D12). But the West London giants have emerged victorious in the last four meetings, including the reverse fixture this season at Stamford Bridge.
Key Stats
- Luton Town won their last home league game against Chelsea, beating them 2-0 in December 1991. However, they lost the last time they hosted the Blues — a 3-2 FA Cup defeat in March 2022.
- The home side has won eight of the most recent ten league meetings between Luton and Chelsea, with the exceptions being a 3-0 away win for Chelsea in December 1989 and a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge in April 1991.
- Chelsea have not lost their final league game in the last 11 calendar years (W7 D4) since a 3-1 home loss against Aston Villa in 2011.
- Luton Town have won their most recent two Premier League games, as many as in their first 16 this season. They last won three consecutive top-flight matches in December 1991, the third game of which was against Chelsea.
- Chelsea have lost their last four Premier League away games, their longest losing run on the road since a run of five between October and December 2000 under Claudio Ranieri.
Prediction and Betting Tips
Chelsea will be the favourites heading into Saturday’s game. But their recent away record is dreadful, with the Blues losing their last four Premier League games on the road. On the other hand, Luton Town won both games this past week and might be up for another giant-killing. But the game has the makings of a draw.
Christopher Nkunku has started his Chelsea career well, finding the back of the net against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He should appear on the score sheet again, with Luton Town also likely to do so. So, expect both teams to score on Saturday.
