Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Premier League clash between Luton Town and Fulham, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Luton Town play host to Fulham on Sunday afternoon knowing that only one of their biggest wins in their history will give them any chance of Premier League survival.
At a time when the Hatters are realistically merely playing for pride, Fulham make the trip to Kenilworth Road still with the hope of finishing in 12th position in the standings.
Match preview
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When Luton took the lead against West Ham United at the London Stadium last weekend, Rob Edwards and the club’s supporters would have been dreaming of remaining on contention for the great escape.
Although Luton have always remained in contention to beat the drop, the fact that they had only won once in 15 matches prior to the meeting with the Hammers would have ensured that avoiding relegation deserved that mantle.
However, losing 3-1 in the capital has left last season’s Championship playoff winners three points adrift of Nottingham Forest with an inferior goal difference of 12 goals.
There is already an acceptance that Luton will drop back down to the second tier at the first time of asking, and there can be few complaints with 23 defeats coming from 37 matches.
To their credit, they have collected five points from their last four games at Kenilworth Road, but only winning four times on home territory all season has been their undoing.
Despite effectively being relegated, Luton will want to earn the point that they require to finish in 18th, earning them several more million pounds compared to if they drop below Burnley.
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As for Fulham, their once impressive season is ending in a damp squib having only won one of their last eight matches in the Premier League.
In their defence, the Cottagers have only lost to Liverpool and Manchester City in their most recent five outings, yet they have dropped down to 14th spot in the process.
Goals have started to become an issue for Marco Silva‘s side with just four strikes being recorded in six games, while they have posted just three wins from their 18 games on their travels.
Like Luton, the carrot remains of more prize money if they can win this game. With Wolverhampton Wanderers away to Liverpool and possessing an inferior goal difference, 13th place is achievable – maybe even 12th – if they can get the better of their hosts.
Luton Town Premier League form:
Fulham Premier League form:
Team News
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Having suffered a calf injury against West Ham, Luton midfielder Ross Barkley is highly unlikely to be risked here, particularly when out of contract in the summer.
Mads Andersen and Dan Potts may be considered for comeback appearances after injury if they are suitably recovered, but the starting lineup should be similar to the one from the Hammers defeat.
Jordan Clark appears likely to take Barkley’s place, although Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu is an alternative option, while Chiedozie Ogbene may come in at right wing-back.
With Issa Diop suspended due to collecting two yellow cards against Man City, Tim Ream could be restored in central defence.
Adama Traore may finally make his first Premier League start of the season on the right ahead of Bobby Decordova-Reid, while Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney are both in contention to replace Alex Iwobi in the engine room.
Luton Town possible starting lineup:
Kaminski; Burke, Mengi, Osho; Ogbene, Lokonga, Clark, Doughty; Morris, Chong; Adebayo
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Ream, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Traore, Pereira, Willian; Muniz
We say: Luton Town 2-2 Fulham
In reality, this is a dead-rubber, and that should lead to an entertaining clash between two clubs eager to end the season on a high. We can only see goals in this contest, but the spoils could be shared after an end-to-end game.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.