Luton Town started the season dreaming of a return to the Premier League but if they lose this match against Watford, the Hatters could fall into the Championship drop zone.
Having enjoyed a fairytale rise from non-league football to the top flight, the prospect of a sudden fall back down the divisions will become very real for Rob Edwards' side if they can't arrest their slump in form.
Luton have collected just a point from their last three Championship outings and even that draw felt like a defeat as they surrendered a two-goal lead at home to Oxford.
They need to find some form but won't have it easy against a Watford side who are pushing for promotion after a promising start that sees them sitting sixth in the table.
After a dip that saw them go four games without a win, Tom Cleverly's side have won three of their last two and those victories came against promotion rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
So the Hornets will make the short trip to Luton on a high as they bid to pile on the pain for the Hatters.
How the bookies view it: Hornets overpriced at 12/5
Despite being in dismal form, Luton Town are odds-on favourites for this one at 20/21 with Betano. Watford look too big at 12/5 while the stalemate pays 5/2.
Recent head to head: Home bankers
Home advantage has been key in recent years, with the last four meetings all ending in home wins to nil. Watford romped to a 4-0 victory at Vicarage Road two seasons ago but Luton Town got their revenge with a 2-0 triumph at Kenilworth Road.
Players to watch: Moses is worth a shot
Victor Moses was an interesting signing for Luton and the former Chelsea star has already chipped in with a goal in his four appearances so far. He's 9/2 for another goal here and a tempting 5/4 just to have an effort on target.
Kwadwo Baah scored Watford's winner off the bench in their last game against Middlesbrough and that could be enough to earn the young German a start here. The striker is 10/3 for anytime scorer and that looks a decent price if he's unleashed from the off.
Probable line-ups
Luton still have some key players missing, with Tom Lockyer, Mads Andersen, Tahith Chong, Carlton Morris and Daiki Hashioka carrying injuries. Watford are set to be without Jeremy Ngiaka, Kevin Keben, Daniel Bachmann and Fran Sierralta.
Luton Town: Kaminski, McGuinness, Mengi, Burke, Walters, Krauss, Nakamba, Doughty, Moses, Adebayo, Brown
Watford: Bond, Porteous, Pollock, Ogbonna, Andrews, Ince, Chakvetadze, Sema, Sissoko, Dele-Bashiru, Baah.
Anything else catch the eye?
Watford have been involved in plenty of thrillers this season and going for goals paid off for me when they lost at Norwich last month. Luton need to go for a win so it bodes well for a decent game and combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals pays evens at Bet365.
There's quite a fierce rivalry between these teams so it could also pay to back a busy day for the referee. Over 52.5 booking points pays 6/5 at Betfred while Watford stopper Ryan Porteous is 13/8 to pick up a fourth card this term.
This England Championship match between Luton Town and Watford will be played on Oct 19, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Luton Town vs Watford prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
