Luton vs Chelsea news: Blues looking to avenge League Cup heartbreak against in-form Hatters

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger (centre right) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mates during the Carabao Cup Semi Final, second leg match at the Tottenham Hotspur St

After an excruciating penalty shootout loss in the Carabao Cup last week, Chelsea travel to Luton looking to put things right in the FA Cup.

European champions Chelsea travel to Luton Town on Wednesday night for an FA Cup fifth-round clash, but with the Blues' League Cup loss fresh in the memory, a giant-killing may be too much to ask of Nathan Jones' side.

Thomas Tuchel's outfit gave a good account of themselves at Wembley last Sunday, and if they are to play there again this season, then they'll first have to overcome a difficult trip to Kenilworth Road.

Luton are currently on a three-match winning streak, which has seen them climb into the Championship play-off places, and while their league position will be top of their priority list, a thrilling cup run won't harm morale.

Premier League opposition will undoubtedly be a huge step up in terms of quality, but with home advantage and momentum on their side, they'll fancy their chances of an upset.

When: Wednesday, March 2, 19:15 GMT

Where: Kenilworth Road, Luton

How to watch: BBC One

Or follow live updates via our match centre

Who is the referee for Luton vs Chelsea?

Peter Bankes will take charge of Wednesday's clash in what will be his 16th domestic match of the season.

Bankes has taken charge of eight Premier League fixtures this season, but is yet to officiate a Chelsea match. His eight games so far have generated 43 yellow cards, one red card and a penalty.

Luton will also have fond memories of Bankes, after he took charge of their 3-0 Championship win over Blackpool back in December.

His only FA Cup game this season came at Crystal Palace, where he oversaw the Eagles' 2-0 win over Hartlepool in the fourth round.

Recent form

With four wins in their last five, it's hard to argue against Luton being the in-form side for Wednesday's clash.

However, while wins over Barnsley, West Brom, Stoke and Derby County are impressive results, a 3-0 loss to Birmingham amid that run shows that Jones' side is vulnerable.

Luton's expansive style under Jones does occasionally leave them weak in defence, but their 46 goals scored this season ranks them as the Championship's fourth-highest scoring club.

Tuchel will be aware of Luton's attacking threat, but having just held Liverpool's feared forwards to a goalless 120 minutes at Wembley, the Blues will be confident of shutting out lower-league opposition.

The shootout loss last Sunday ended an unbeaten run of seven games, spanning back to Chelsea's last loss against Manchester City on January 15.

But many of Chelsea's wins have come by small margins, with four of their last five coming by just one goal.

Much of the blame can be attributed to a faltering strike force, but a vulnerable Championship defence could be the perfect place to boost their confidence.

Luton and Chelsea players in form

Luton Town celebrate scoring vs Swansea City, Championship

With 13 goals to his name already this season, Luton's Elijah Adebayo is one to keep an eye out for on Wednesday evening.

James Bree is another who can threaten the formidable Chelsea backline. The right-back has become a crucial cog in Nathan Jones' side, and is often their main creative output.

The 24-year-old creates 1.5 chances per 90 minutes - the highest in the entire Luton squad, with Kal Naismith second with 0.7 per 90.

As for Chelsea, Mason Mount looked superb on his return to the side on Sunday, and could've bagged a brace had he been more clinical in front of goal.

The England international already has seven goals to his name in the Premier League, and if he's selected on Wednesday, he's bound to cause problems for Luton.

FA Cup journey so far

Luton kicked off their FA Cup campaign in style, securing a 4-0 win against Harrogate Town in the third round.

Elijah Adebayo, Cameron Jerome, Kal Naismith and Luke Berry bagged the goals to book their spot in the fourth round.

There, the Hatters played Cambridge United and again won convincingly with Reece Burke, Carlos Gomes and Admiral Muskwe scoring in a 3-0 success.

In contrast, Chelsea are yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament after thumping Chesterfield 5-1 in the third round and narrowly beating Plymouth Argyle 2-1 in the fourth.

Plymouth took an early lead through Macaulay Gillesphey before Cesar Azpilicueta equalised moments before half time.

The Blues required extra time to seal the win, with Marcos Alonso's 105th-minute strike enough to see them into the fifth round.

Managers' thoughts

Ahead of the match, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said: "We should not think about the next final until we think about the next match. This starts tomorrow evening.

"We have some obstacles to overcome and boxes to tick if we want to win there. We need the right motivation and right attitude. We need full commitment. It's demanding but still we expect it from us."

Luton manager Nathan Jones was full of praise for Wednesday's opponents, saying: "They're the current Club World Cup champions. As a footballer you crave these games, and as a manager you want to test yourself.

"It's a different kind of game, midweek and packed into a hectic schedule, but anything can happen. What a wonderful game for everyone to be involved in."

Predicted Luton vs Chelsea teams

Luton: Steer, Naismith, Lockyer, Burke, Osho, Lansbury, Campbell, Bell, Bree, Cornick, Adebayo

Chelsea: Kepa, Sarr, Christensen, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Saul, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Lukaku, Pulisic

Luton vs Chelsea prediction

While Luton will enter the clash full of confidence, facing a Chelsea team eager to quickly put their League Cup loss behind them will prove too much of an ask.

Expect the Blues to shut out this Luton side and secure a comfortable 2-0 win.