LUTON TOWN and Burnley both have the goal of securing a quickfire return to the Premier League as they kick off the new campaign by facing off at Kenilworth Road in the EFL Championship.
Most people wrote the Hatters off in the top flight last season after their surprise play-off triumph but Rob Edwards' men were actually the most impressive of the three sides who won promotion.
While Sheffield United and Burnley looked doomed for most of the campaign, Luton Town gave it their all and ruffled plenty of feathers before eventually running out of steam in the final few weeks.
Edwards will have his players fired up as they bid to get back among the big boys and the Hatters boss will stick to the same principles that have made the last few seasons so memorable.
How Burnley will shape up this term is more of a mystery after Vincent Kompany made a shock move to Bayern Munich. Relegation from the Premier League usually sees a manager's stock plummet but the Belgian was somehow rewarded by landing one of the top jobs in European football.
Former Bournemouth manager Scott Parker has taken the reins at Turf Moor and the Burnley board will be hoping he can work his magic in the Championship once more, having led both the Cherries and Fulham to promotion.
How the bookies view it: Luton just slight favourites
This is a tough one to call but Betfred reckon Luton Town just have the edge with home advantage and a more settled side. The Hatters are 6/4 shots while Burnley are priced 9/5 and the draw pays 12/5.
Recent head to head: Burnley a bogey team for Hatters
Luton Town have found Burnley a tough nut to crack in recent years, going eight games without a win in this fixture. Kenilworth Road has been a happy hunting ground for the Clarets, with wins on their last four visits.
Players to watch: Morris back for more
Ross Barkley is a big loss for Luton Town after his move to Aston Villa but most of last season's squad is still intact. Carlton Morris led the line well last term and the striker is 15/8 to get off the mark on day one in the Championship.
French kid Wilson Odobert showed flashes of his potential in the Premier League and could get some joy in the second tier. He's 3/1 for anytime scorer here and that looks a little overpriced.
Probable teams
Jordan Beyer remains a doubt for Burnley after a long-term injury and missed their last friendly with Cadiz. Teden Mengi is also doubtful for Luton Town after picking up a knock in their friendly with Celta Vigo.
Luton Town: Kaminski; Ogbene, Doughty, Walters, Holmes, Johnson; Townsend, Chong, Baptiste; Morris, Adebayo.
Burnley: Hladky, O’Shea, Brownhill, Roberts, Foster, Zaroury, Vitinho, Cullen, Rodriguez, Esteve, Odobert.
Anything else catch the eye?
Luton Town were great entertainers in the Premier League with goals galore at both ends. Parker usually sets his teams up to attack as well so this should be a good watch.
Over 2.5 goals pays 5/6 at Betfred while BTTS is shorter at 4/6 but combining those picks in a bet builder boosts the odds to evens.
Going for corners is another good option on the tight Kenilworth Road pitch and over 11.5 flag kicks pays 11/8. Luton -1 also appeals in the corner handicap at 10/11 with Bet365.
This England Championship match between Luton Town and Burnley will be played on Aug 12, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Luton Town vs Burnley prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
