- Both teams scored in 11 of Burnley’s final 12 games last season
- Four of Luton’s five preseason clashes have featured at least three goals
- Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals

Two of last season’s three sides relegated from the Premier League meet on Monday night in the final game of the Championship’s opening round.

Luton and Burnley were both sent straight back down to the second tier, but the pair are eyeing promotion this time around. Can either side claim a statement victory at Kenilworth Road?

Team news

Luton boss Rob Edwards has a couple of injury headaches going into this clash. Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is one of five absentees and he’ll be a huge miss.

Scott Parker has a large but full-strength Burnley side to choose from for this clash. The former Fulham and Bournemouth boss looks set to line up his side in a 4-4-2 shape.

The stats

Burnley opened the scoring in both meetings last term, earning four points 

Luton’s Carlton Morris returns to the second tier after scoring 20 times during their last promotion campaign

These two sides were in the top five in terms of shots conceded in the Premier League last season

Despite their struggles last term, Burnley scored 1.16 goals per away game in the top-flight

Over 2.5 goals landed in 71% of the Hatters’ matches last term

The hosts scored 1.47 goals per game at Kenilworth Road despite suffering relegation

Prediction

Luton’s preseason has delivered goals, with four of their five games seeing at least three scored. The Hatters were routinely picked apart by Premier League opposition last term, while the same can be said for opponents Burnley.

Both teams scored in 11 of the Clarets’ final 12 games and new boss Parker doesn’t have a reputation as an organiser. His Burnley side will press, but that could leave them open at the back and vulnerable to the counter.

Parker has a tall order piecing together a defensive unit from a bloated Burnley squad, as they have more players than any other team in the division. With 12 defenders to choose from, a settled back four is a work in progress for the new boss.

Luton look better placed for an immediate push for promotion, but their injury issues are a concern. Sticking with Rob Edwards brings them continuity, but he may need time to refocus minds after a difficult year at the highest level.

Luton finished the campaign with both teams scoring in each of their final eight matches. Over 2.5 goals landed in six of those and with Burnley unlikely to hold back in their opener, entertainment should be on the way. Take over 2.5 goals as these two begin their Championship campaigns. 

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