Luton vs Sheffield Utd prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2024-02-09 15:00.
[p]Despite finishing 11 and 21 points respectively behind Sheffield United and Burnley in the Championship last term, it’s Luton Town who seemingly have the best shot at survival in the Premier League this season. The Hatters come into this round residing outside the drop zone, and although their situation remains precarious, with nearest rivals Everton playing away at Manchester City this weekend, they’ll fancy they can potentially create daylight this weekend.[/p]
[p]Already ten clear of the Blades at the foot of the table, survival is in Luton’s own hands, and with a game in hand too, this weekend could be huge in their battle to beat the drop. With only one defeat from their last six Premier League games (W3, D2), Rob Edwards’ side look good value to hold up their end of the bargain here, and after winning the last two H2Hs, they could win three in a row for the first time since 1977![/p]
[p]Securing that would heap yet more misery on Sheffield United, who look destined for an instant return to the Championship. They displayed yet more hallmarks of a relegation-bound side in their 5-0 drubbing against Aston Villa last weekend, after which boss Chris Wilder said his side were “outplayed, outclassed and outfought” – a damning indictment of a side who have conceded the second-most goals this season of every side competing in a UEFA top-flight league. [/p]
[p]Their leaky nature has been off the scale this season, as no side has conceded 59 goals after 23 top-flight games since Fulham in 1965/66. And having leaked three against Luton in the reverse fixture to lose 3-2 in December’s reverse fixture, they may need a result like they achieved in their last away H2H win if they’re to claim an unlikely victory – a 6-3 win way back in 1994![/p]
[p]Key battle: Ross Barkley was on target in Luton’s 4-4 draw at Newcastle last weekend, with none of his three goals this term arriving earlier than the 40th minute. His midfielder compatriot Gustavo Hamer is more well known for the tough-tackling approach that has earned him four yellow cards in his last eight games, including the reverse fixture.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Sheffield United are the only Premier League team yet to lead an away game at half-time this season (HT: D5, L6).[/p]