Wolverhampton takes on Premier League newcomers Luton at Molineux. Wolves recorded a 1-1 draw with Scottish champions Celtic last time out. The Hatters came from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1.
Preview (Wolverhampton vs Luton)
Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed a solid preseason on the field. They have picked up two victories and one draw to remain unbeaten. This is despite the persistent concerns about manager Julen Lopetegui’s future. After defeating Vitoria de Guimaraes 2-1 in their opening exhibition game, Wolves triumphed 1-0 over Porto before sharing a 1-1 draw with Celtic on Saturday thanks to an 86th-minute equalizer from Matheus Cunha. The Wolves manager is allegedly frustrated with the club’s apparent financial difficulties impeding incoming deals as he gears up for his first full season in charge of the team.
Ruben Neves, a crucial midfielder for the Wanderers, has left for Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia. Raul Jiminez, Conor Coady, and Nathan Collins have already left Molineux this summer. Wolves will be eager to put their issues behind them and start fresh in 2023–24 after finishing 13th in the Premier League last season—seven points clear of the relegation zone with the poorest offensive record in the division.
Pre-Season
In their first preseason match, Luton Town and Ipswich Town ended in a 1-1 tie. Nathan Broadhead’s 14th-minute goal was cancelled out by a Carlton Morris penalty in the 75th minute. With a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, the Hatters maintained their perfect preseason record. Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Morris each scored a goal in the first half before Morris scored the game-winning goal on 82 minutes. Morris has been Luton’s top performance leading up to the 2023–24 season. It comes as no surprise given that the talented striker scored 20 goals in 44 Championship outings.
Thanks in great part to the work of highly regarded manager Rob Edwards, Luton is about to begin their first top-flight campaign since 1992 after being promoted to the Premier League via the playoffs last season. You wouldn’t believe it, but the Hatters were competing in the fifth division of English football as recently as 2013–14. However, a remarkable run of four promotions in a span of ten years has propelled the club into the Premier League.
Team News
Wolves released Joao Moutinho, Diego Costa, and Adama Traore in addition to selling Neves, Jimenez, Coady, and Collins this summer. Chiquinho and Ki-Jana Hoever joined Stoke City on loan in their place. Cunha’s loan from Atletico Madrid has been converted to a permanent contract. Matt Doherty has returned to Molineux after falling short of Diego Simeone’s expectations at Atletico. Mario Lemina and Matheus Nunes will start in midfield. Craig Dawson and Max Kilman will play in center defense.
Ryan Giles, who joined Luton Town from Wolves earlier this summer following eight loan stints since 2018, will be anxious to make an impression against his old team. Along with Tahith Chong from Birmingham and Mads Andersen from Barnsley, Luton has also welcomed Marvelous Nakamba back to Kenilworth Road following a productive loan stint last season. Morris and Elijah Adebayo will start again in midfield. Chiedozie Ogbene and Cauley Woodrow won’t start this game. Given that both teams have had successful preseason campaigns thus far, we anticipate Wolves and Luton to engage in a competitive match on Wednesday, with a draw appearing to be the most likely result.
Wolverhampton 2 – 2 Luton
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