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THE FACTS
When is Luton vs Chelsea on and what time does it start? Luton vs Chelsea will take place on Saturday 30th December, 2023 – 12:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Luton vs Chelsea? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Luton vs Chelsea on in the UK? Television rights for the Premier League in the UK are shared between Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime so it is worth checking their schedules for Luton vs Chelsea
Where can I stream Luton vs Chelsea in the UK? If Luton vs Chelsea is televised, then it can be streamed on either Sky Go, discovery+ or Amazon Prime Video depending on who is broadcasting the match
THE LOWDOWN
LUTON
Following their promotion last season, Luton have shown themselves to be genuinely competitive down at the bottom end as they battle against the drop. The Hatters have pulled off back-to-back hard-fought, resilient wins over the festive period as they close the gap on Everton outside of the bottom three.
With a game-in-hand after their abandonment against Bournemouth due to Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest, Luton defeated Newcastle by a goal to nil with a winning goal from Andros Townsend before then coming from behind to win 3-2 at Bramall Lane against fellow strugglers Sheffield Utd on Boxing Day.
CHELSEA
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea earned a much-needed 2-1 defeat of Crystal Palace in their most recent outing, on Wednesday evening. The Blues required an 89th-minute winner from the penalty spot, scored by Noni Madueke. They have managed just seven victories in 19 Premier League matches this season as they sit firmly in the middle of the table.
The west Londoners have struggled for any sort of real consistency or cohesion. Early signs in August and September suggested there was something brewing in attack but since then, they have continued to underperform with their bizarre off-field management and strategies seeping into unconvincing results and performances on the pitch.
THE TEAM NEWS
LUTON
Rob Edwards and his Luton side will obviously remain without club captain Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest in a recent game against Bournemouth. The Hatters are also missing several other key first-teamers for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea.
Right wing-back Issa Kabore is out injured but should return in early 2024, whilst Marvelous Nakamba, Reece Burke and Dan Potts are also on a similar timescale as they recover from respective injuries. Jordan Clark remains a doubt but could return from illness.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Kaminski; Mengi, Osho, Bell; Doughty, Lokonga, Barkley, Giles; Townsend, Brown; Adebayo
UNAVAILABLE: Lockyer (Illness), Potts (Injured), Kabore (Injured), Nakamba (Injured), Burke (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Clark (Illness)
CHELSEA
Mauricio Pochettino has suffered from a major injury list throughout this season but The Blues’ boss is beginning to welcome players back, such as Christopher Nkunku. Both Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer are also returning after their respective suspensions. However, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Romeo Lavia will face late fitness tests.
Chelsea do remain without several key first-teamers, though, particularly defensively. The likes of Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell all remain unavailable for the visit to Luton on Saturday.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Caicedo; Palmer, Nkunku, Sterling; Jackson
UNAVAILABLE: Sanchez (Injured), Fofana (Injured), Chalobah (Injured), James (Injured), Cucurella (Injured), Chilwell (Injured), Fernandez (Injured), Chukwuemeka (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Lavia (Injured), Mudryk (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
At Kenilworth Road so far this season, Luton have managed to take a lead against Arsenal and Man City before dramatic turnarounds and they have also taken a point off Liverpool, too, with The Reds requiring a 90th-minute Luis Diaz equaliser. They have defeated Newcastle and pushed Tottenham all the way, too, without getting a really stellar three points against heavyweight opposition yet. Chelsea, despite two wins in three matches, have remained really unconvincing and looking almost certain to endure another mid-table finish. Backing the double chance in favour of hosts represents good value.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – LUTON OR DRAW