Luton vs Sheffield United tips and predictions: Hatters to strike key blow in relegation fight
Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo
Luton Town face Sheffield United at Kenilworth Road this weekend and we expect the Hatters to dent the Blades' Premier League survival chances.
The benchmark for survival is often referred to as 40 points when in reality 35 points is usually enough to keep a team in the Premier League.
Luton’s form since the weekend before Christmas has seen them pick up 11 points in six matches, or 1.83 points per game, which equates to a 70-point season.
While Rob Edward’s side aren’t knocking on Europe’s door just yet, they are in prime position to steer control of an uncomfortable end to the season.
Despite their fantastic form, Everton are hot on their heels and Town will want to make the most of this match before a tough run of fixtures.
On the other hand, there’s little in the way of hope for Sheffield United. The Blades are winless in seven and their defensive efforts have been a shambles.
Chris Wilder’s hallmark is making a team tough to beat but last weekend’s 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa means the Yorkshire club have shipped 15 in five.
The first game in that sequence may prove to be particularly damaging in the final reckoning as they surrendered a 2-1 lead in a 3-2 loss against the Hatters.
The only point the Blades picked up during the five-game slump was an extremely contentious one in a 2-2 draw against West Ham.
Conceding two or more goals in 80% of matches is a recipe for disaster enough but when you consider they’re scoring less than a goal per game, it’s hard to see how they survive.
Luton will be in much more confident mood and they’ll know the importance of this fixture.
Team news
Marvellous Nakamba, Mads Anderson and Tom Lockyer are ruled out for the hosts.
Luton’s dangerous duo of Elijah Adebayo (5) and Carlton Moris have contributed seven goals during Town’s unbeaten run and will continue in attack.
Chris Basham, John Egan, George Baldock, Ivo Grbic and Daniel Jebbison are unavailable for the visitors while Max Lowe is unlikely to be involved.
In better news, Rhian Brewster is available again after suspension while Oli McBurnie could be passed fit.
Key stats
- Luton have picked up 11 points in six matches
- Luton are unbeaten in six in all competitions
- Luton beat Sheffield United 3-2 at Bramall Lane
- Sheffield United have conceded 15 goals in five matches
- Sheffield United have lost nine and drawn two of their away matches
