Luton vs Stoke prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-02-03 15:00.
It was a perfect night for Luton Town in midweek as an 89’ Elijah Adebayo goal secured a 1-0 victory over relegation candidates Cardiff to move the Hatters into the top-six. The transfer window slammed shut shortly after that game, and the Hatters can reflect on a largely positive end to the window, signing both Marvelous Nakamba (CDM) and Cody Drameh (RB) on loan from Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Leeds, respectively.
Those defensive additions should help Luton maintain their solid, yet uninspiring home league record this season (W4, D7, L3), yet they’ll hope for a win here with three consecutive competitive away games to follow. Whatever happens, a loss seems unthinkable given that only three Championship sides boast a stronger unbeaten rate as pre-match favourites than Luton’s 80% (W6, D6, L3).
Despite Stoke City’s backline being weakened by the £15m departure of Aussie centre-back Harry Souttar on deadline day, they have three wins and 11 goals scored across their last four games so there may be a little bit of leeway in that department. Although a couple of those victories were against lower-tier opponents in the FA Cup, it will do their confidence no harm in the pursuit of a top-half push.
Making the journey south shouldn’t faze the Potters too much as they are in a minority of Championship sides that have picked up more points away (18) than at home (15), a group which also includes Luton. Inspiring further confidence for an upset will be the fact that Stoke haven’t lost here since their very first away H2H of the 21st century back in 2000 (W5, D2).
Key battle: Luton’s Elijah Adebayo has scored six of his eight goals this season at home, although he’s yet to score against Stoke (W1, L3). Looking to stop him will be Stoke’s Souttar replacement Axel Tuanzebe. The deadline day signing has captained Manchester United at every age group and brings a bit of European class, having featured in a famous Champions League win over PSG.
Hot stat: Luton have scored a joint league-high ten goals in the opening 15 minutes.