2019-20 Championship – Luton vs Middlesbrough Betting Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Luton vs Middlesbrough kick off? Friday 2nd August, 2019 – 19:45 (UK)
Where is Luton vs Middlesbrough being played? Kenilworth Road Stadium
What is the weather forecast for Luton vs Middlesbrough? Clear, 18c
What television channel is Luton vs Middlesbrough on? Sky have the rights to Championship matches in the UK, so it is worth checking the Sky Sports schedule
Where can I stream Luton vs Middlesbrough? If the match is televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Luton vs Middlesbrough?
Luton – https://www.eticketing.co.uk/lutontown
Middlesbrough – https://tickets.mfc.co.uk/
What was the score when the teams last met? N/A
THE TEAM NEWS
LUTON
Predicted line-up (4-5-1): Sluga; Cranie, Pearson, Bradley, Galloway; McManaman, Tunnicliffe, Shinnie, Moncur, LuaLua; Collins
Unavailable: Sheehan (Injured), Rea (Injured)
Doubtful: Hylton (Injured)
- Luton Town will be a relative unknown in their first few weeks in the Championship and it will take some time to determine what kind of team they will be, though they are one of maybe seven teams likely to be in a relegation scrap.
- The Hatters have made some shrewd transfers after losing some young talent from their backline to Premier League poachers with Martin Cranie from Sheffield United and Ryan Tunnicliffe from Millwall bringing vital Championship experience from either end of the table.
- Luton boss Graeme Jones will be pleased with a pre-season that included a big win over Maritimo in Portugal before a perhaps even more useful 1-5 drubbing by last season’s Championship winners Norwich City on Saturday.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Randolph; Shotton, Ayala, Marc Bola, Coulson; Clayton, Saville, Howson; Johnson, Assombalonga, Fletcher
Unavailable: Fry (Injured), Friend (Injured)
Doubtful: Randolph (Injured)
- Tony Pulis received his marching orders after a particularly dour 2018-19 season saw Middlesbrough slide out of the play-off places right at the death having occupied them for the vast majority of the season.
- Former Boro captain Jonathan Woodgate will take over with his orders to not only reach the play-offs but improve the quality of football after several years under the uber-defensive approach of Pulis.
- Boro’s transfer business has been few and far between with a return to the club for goalkeeper Tomas Mejias and new left-back Marc Bola the most significant signings, and it is clear that Woodgate will have to make do with the squad available.
BETTING ANALYSIS
Middlesbrough have gone down the fashionable route of employing ex-players with new boss Jonathan Woodgate and fans will be in full support for a new lease of life after their disappointing campaign last year. They can beat newly-promoted Luton but it could be a late winner after an intense start.
BETTING TIP: (Draw/Team 2) Double result
