To avoid relegation, Luton Town require an unprecedent heavy victory over Fulham and for Nottingham Forest to lose to Burnley.
Sheffield United and Burnley have already been relegated ahead of the final day of the season. But Luton Town are still mathematically in the race to survive as they get set to welcome Everton to Kenilworth Road on Sunday. On paper, it is only a matter of when than if they drop down to the EFL Championship.
Luton fans and manager Rob Edwards might have dreamt of the unthinkable last weekend when they took the lead against West Ham United. However, they were brought back to reality as the Hammers then effortlessly cruised through the game and secured three points, leaving the Hatters on the brink.
The reality is that Luton will suffer relegation unless they can record an unbelievable victory and Nottingham Forest lose by a big margin. Forest have a superior goal difference of 12 over the Hatters, and on paper, such a turnaround will seem impossible on the last day. However, there is one slight incentive to get a positive result in this clash, as an 18th-place finish will net Luton millions of pounds more.
Meanwhile, Fulham have nothing more than a positional finish to gain on the last day of the season. The Cottagers are in 14th. But with a win and other results going their way, they can finish up to 12th in the final standings.
Such a scenario will profit them with more prize money, although there is nothing more to gain like European football or even a top-half finish. Marco Silva would want the season to end on a positive note. They will come into this clash knowing Luton will likely push for something. But the Portuguese manager will look to get the first goal and then reduce the pressure on the game.
Team News & Tactics
Luton Town
Rob Edwards will have to make the necessary changes to his selections to get the best team on the pitch for the final game of the season. In the loss to West Ham United, Ross Barkley suffered a knock and may not play a part in Sunday’s proceedings.
With his contract expiring, the two parties may not risk an injury on the final day of the season. Luton Town have a long list of injured players out of contention, with nine of their first-team regulars sitting out of this contest.
Some of those may not play for the club again as they might look to move on once the relegation is confirmed. Edwards will likely be able to call upon a strong defensive setup, with Gabriel Osho, Teden Mengi, and Daiki Hashioka all set to take their positions in the back three.
Meanwhile, Albert Sambi Lokonga will likely play his final game for the Hatters as he returns to Arsenal from his loan. He will have Jordan Clark for company in the central midfield pairing, while Carlton Morris and Tahith Chong will play behind striker Elijah Adebayo.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kaminski; Hashioka, Mengi, Osho; Obgene, Lokonga, Clark, Doughty; Chong, Morris; Adebayo
Fulham
Compared to Luton Town, Fulham barely have any issues with their squad regarding injuries. Only Sasa Lukic is a significant doubt, but the midfielder will be assessed before the clash before Marco Silva makes his final decision.
Then again, Lukic may have yet to start ahead of Tom Cairney and Joao Palhinha in that Fulham midfield. Meanwhile, Issa Diop will be missing this game after his red card against Manchester City.
Hence, Tosin Adarabioyo will take his place at the back. The in-demand defender is heading out of the club as a free agent, meaning this will be the final time he will wear the Fulham shirt. Other selections might include Andreas Pereira, Willian, and Alex Iwobi starting in the attacking third, with Rodrigo Muniz leading the line for the Cottagers.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Cairney, Palhinha; Iwobi, Pareira, Willian; Muniz
Key Stats
- Luton Town have failed to win 15 of their last 16 matches in the Premier League.
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in five of Luton Town’s last six games in the Premier League.
- Fulham have been undefeated in all competitions in their last five matches against Luton.
- Fulham have only one victory in their last eight matches in the Premier League.
- Fulham have managed only three victories in their 18 away matches in the Premier League this season.
Player to Watch
Rodrigo Muniz
This is a game for Fulham where they have nothing to gain apart from a higher position, and Marco Silva will want his attackers fit and firing. Rodrigo Muniz’s performances have dipped a bit, and the Cottagers boss would love to see him gain some confidence in front of the goal.
Silva might target an early goal in this game, and he will rely heavily on Muniz to get the team going. Fulham have struggled to score of late, and Silva can get the players to play without any real pressure, particularly Muniz.
Prediction
Luton Town 1-1 Fulham
Luton Town will need plenty of goals and a win to keep their chances alive in the relegation battle. But in truth, those chances are not actually achievable. In any case, Rob Edwards’s side might be ready to push the button right from the first minute, which may come as a disadvantage for them against Fulham.
Fulham are not playing for practically anything in this contest and might see a bore draw against the Hatters. In the end, both teams might play out a stalemate. As a result, they will have to stay content with the final game of the season, as such an outcome could benefit either financially with their positions on the table.