MX23RW : Sunday, December 27 00:37:35| >> :120:19199:19199:
Dec 12, 2020 at 3pm UK at Kenilworth Road Stadium
LutonLuton Town
3-0
PrestonPreston North End
Collins (20', 29', 66')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Preview: Luton Town vs. Preston North End - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between Luton Town and Preston North End, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Luton Town host Preston North End on Saturday in an archetypal mid-table clash in the Championship.

The two clubs sit 14th and 13th in the table respectively, both on 23 points and only separated by the Lilywhites' better goal difference.


Match preview

Luton Town's George Moncur celebrates scoring against Norwich City in the Championship on December 2, 2020© Reuters

Luton drew 0-0 with Coventry City on Tuesday night in what was an instantly forgettable clash at St. Andrew's.

The Hatters recorded just one shot on target, but kept their first clean sheet since the beginning of November.

They are now searching for their first shutout at home since the start of October, and will have 2,000 fans in attendance at Kenilworth Road – double the number that watched them beat Norwich City last week.

Nathan Jones's side have won just once in their last seven matches, but have also only lost twice in that time – in their two away trips to South Wales to face Cardiff City and Swansea City.

Preston North End's Emil Riis Jakobsen celebrates scoring against Middlesbrough in the Championship on December 9, 2020© Reuters

Preston have not won in Bedfordshire since November 1999, but have the joint-best away record in the Championship, with 16 points gained from a possible 24 on the road so far.

They have also scored the most goals away from home (18) and have beaten promotion hopefuls Brentford, Reading and Bournemouth on their travels.

The Lilywhites impressed on home turf in midweek, achieving their joint-biggest victory of the season so far as they defeated Middlesbrough 3-0.

Brad Potts, Scott Sinclair and Emil Riis Jakobsen all scored in the second half as Alex Neil's side showed a clinical nature and became the fourth-highest scoring team in the division.

Preston's current unbeaten run of three games is their longest so far this season and they are now in search of back-to-back victories for only the second time in 2020-21.

Luton Town Championship form: DDLWLD

Preston North End Championship form: WLLWDW


Team News

Luton manager Nathan Jones pictured on June 27, 2020© Reuters

Matty Pearson is available for selection again for Luton after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Swansea City last weekend.

Fellow defender James Bree is also expected to be back in the side after sitting out the game against Coventry with a groin issue.

Preston also have a man returning from suspension as Daniel Johnson should slot straight back into the midfield after missing the win over Middlesbrough.

Emil Riis Jakobsen's goal and assist off the bench in midweek could earn him a first start in four games up front in place of Jayden Stockley.

Luton Town possible starting lineup:
Shea; Bree, Pearson, Bradley, Lockyer, Norrington-Davies; Morrell, Dewsbury-Hall, Mpanzu; Collins, Lee

Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Rudd; Fisher, Huntington, Davies, Hughes; Browne, Ledson; Potts, Johnson, Sinclair; Jakobsen


SM words green background

We say: Luton Town 0-1 Preston North End

Preston's impressive midweek win, and their strong away record, makes them favourites for this one. The Lilywhites will find Luton hard to break down, but they proved against Middlesbrough that they are relentless in their attacking play, so could take all three points back to Lancashire.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:425904:cQx

How you voted: Luton vs Preston

Luton Town
26.5%
Draw
38.2%
Preston North End
35.3%
34
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Preston North End manager Alex Neil pictured in September 2020
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Alex Neil pleased with team's defending against Boro
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Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Norwich CityNorwich21134429191043
2Swansea CitySwansea21116425121339
3Bournemouth20108235161938
4Brentford21108334201438
5Reading2111373227536
6Watford209742315834
7Stoke CityStoke219752520534
8Middlesbrough1996424141033
9Bristol City2110382222033
10Barnsley219482527-231
11Blackburn RoversBlackburn2185835251029
12Cardiff CityCardiff218582823529
13Preston North EndPreston2192102830-229
14Huddersfield TownHuddersfield218492529-428
15Luton TownLuton217681823-527
16Millwall2051051718-125
17Birmingham CityBirmingham215881723-623
18Coventry CityCoventry215882028-823
19Queens Park RangersQPR214891929-1020
20Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2146111425-1118
21Rotherham UnitedRotherham1944111827-916
22Derby CountyDerby2037101023-1316
23Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds2147101222-1013
24Wycombe WanderersWycombe2126131331-1812

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