Luton Town will look to extend their unbeaten start to the season when they host Sheffield United. Last Saturday, the Hatters and Newcastle United shared the spoils in an eight-goal extravaganza. Chris Wilder’s team lost to Sheffield United 5-0 at home in an ugly match.
Preview (Luton Town vs. Sheffield United)
Even though Luton defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 in their last game of January, their perfect record in 2024 was seemingly set to end at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park headquarters, where Sean Longstaff gave the Magpies the lead after just seven minutes of play. There was still a palpable sense of disappointment at the final whistle. The midfielder’s effort would be the first of eight goals to fly into the North East nets. It saw Elijah Adebayo, Ross Barkley, Carlton Morris, and Gabriel Osho all cause mayhem.
Adebayo’s goal in the 62nd minute gave Luton a comfortable two-goal lead. The hosts rallied immediately through goals from Ian Trippier and Harvey Barnes to earn a point. It moved Rob Edwards’ team into 17th place, one point above Everton, albeit they still had a game remaining. The motivated Hatters haven’t lost in any competition since losing 3-2 to Chelsea at home on December 30. With at least one goal in their previous ten Premier League games, only Tottenham Hotspur (35) have a longer scoring streak in the top tier.
Edwards’ team has the opportunity to break a record that has stood for nearly 47 years this week. If Luton defeats their struggling opponents by four goals or more, they will become the first promoted team since Sunderland in March 1977 to score four goals or more in three straight top-flight games. Based on Sheffield United’s recent performance, Premier League history may be written at Kenilworth Road. In last weekend’s comprehensive mismatch, a ruthless Aston Villa squad crushed Chris Wilder’s Blades.
Team News
Tom Lockyer has been to the Hatters’ training facility recently. Another long-term knee casualty Marvelous Nakamba is undoubtedly out of Saturday’s match. The Luton treatment room feels quite empty right now. Mads Andersen, a Danish defender, might recover from a calf issue in time to play on Saturday. Edwards will undoubtedly make a few changes to his starting lineup. Jordan Clark has been included in the starting lineup for each of the Hatters’ previous three top-flight games despite not starting a single Premier League game in 2023. However, he still lacks a goal or an assist. He will need to overcome fierce opposition from Andros Townsend and Jacob Brown.
Regarding Sheffield United, Oli McBurnie may return from the calf ailment that prevented him from playing in the crushing of Aston Villa, and Rhián Brewster’s return from suspension will bolster Wilder’s offensive ranks. Max Lowe (unspecified) may or may not be allowed to go to Kenilworth Road, but Daniel Jebbison (sickness), John Egan (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), George Baldock (unspecified), and Ivo Grbic (concussion protocol) are all out. After the disastrous class last weekend, a reorganization is unavoidable for the Blades, and several changes should cause Wilder to consider Robinson, Gustavo Hamer, Tom Davies, Yasser Larouci, and Cameron Archer.
Luton Town 3-1 Sheffield United
For more football previews, click here
