Luton vs Sheffield United Prediction: More misery for the Hatters?

Both Luton Town and Sheffield United were in the Premier League this time last season, as the Hatters finished 10 points above the Blades in the top flight. Things couldn’t look more different for the duo at this stage of the season, ahead of their meeting on Saturday afternoon at Kenilworth Road (15:00). 

Luton now sit bottom of the Championship table after Plymouth's midweek win, while Sheffield United are on track for automatic promotion in second, but have a long way to go. It makes this meeting far more one-sided than many of us expected back in August. Read on for my Luton vs Sheffield United predictions and betting selections.

Team News

Matt Bloomfield is currently struggling to find consistent performances from his Luton squad. They lost to Sunderland in midweek with the likes of Marvelous Nakamba, Liam Walsh and Daiki Hashioka all left on the bench as unused substitutes. 

Teden Mengi, Tom Lockyer and Reece Burke are all out injured which is affecting their defensive solidity, while Shandon Baptiste also has a calf issue. Mads Andersen and Mark McGuinness will continue at the back as a result, while Elijah Adebayo could come into the team in attack if Carlton Morris is dropped. There’s a distinct lack of confindence and quality in this Luton team, with the midfield area looking shot to pieces. 

Football Odds

Nakamba’s qualities should have made him a guaranteed starter in this team, but he hasn’t produced so far, while Walsh’s ill-discipline has clearly cost him game-time. January arrival Thelo Aasgaard started in midweek and could be given another opportunity in midfield, with Tahith Chong also out injured. 

For Sheffield United, Tom Cannon had to come off at half-time on Wednesday night but Chris Wilder is hopeful that both he and Gustavo Hamer will have fully recovered to make the trip down south. Tyrese Campbell, who replaced Cannon could be handed a start, although Ben Brereton Diaz scored off the bench and is looking to force his way into the XI. 

The back four should remain unchanged with former Arsenal man Rob Holding likely to be left waiting for his first start since joining from Crystal Palace in January. Tom Davies will have to get past the impressive duo of Sydie Peck and Vinicius Souza if he is going to get a start, which feels unlikely at this stage. Jamie Shackleton is getting closer to a return from injury, with the end of the month a realistic target for his return. 

Luton vs Sheffield United Betting Tips

Luton are priced at 11/5 to win this game, giving them a win probability of 31% according to the odds. The Hatters have won six of their 15 league fixtures at Kenilworth Road so far this term, ranking them 18th in terms of points accumulated at home. 

Sheffield United can be backed at 5/4 to secure their 10th away victory while a draw is 12/5. Over 2.5 goals is 6/5 but has only come in during 34% of Wilder’s fixtures, while BTTS is 10/11. In terms of goalscorers, Cannon is the favourite to score first at 11/2. 

Sheffield United to win @ 5/4

Let’s play this one with a straight bat. Luton are not a good side this season, as proven by their league position, and Sheffield United are gunning for promotion. The Blades have a lot going for them and after a strong January window, look to have the firepower at the top end of the pitch to secure promotion. I’m not as keen on Cannon as others, but Brereton Diaz could be the difference-maker that secures second spot behind Leeds United. 

With Callum O’Hare, Hamer, Souza and Peck, they are able to win the midfield battle in most games they play, and up against this Luton side who have lost their way I think the Blades will dominate. They’ve won five of their last six league fixtures, while Luton have zero wins in their last six. Form suggests a comfortable away win. 

Ben Brereton Diaz to score anytime @ 12/5

I’ve already mentioned the Chilean international in this piece and the Southampton loanee has started well back at Bramall Lane. He’s got two goals from five appearances so far, with both of those goals coming in his last three games - which makes him a man in form. I see those stats, and his influence in matches and believe he will find the net again, and that belief is only strengthened with Cannon’s potential absence. 

Brereton Diaz should be given a start here and could make Luton pay with a powerful performance. He’s a big price to score anytime in my mind, and should be able to fire the away side to another victory.

Offers

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