The English Football League Championship returns on Friday 2nd August and we have a great looking game to get the season going. Luton Town host Middlesbrough at Kenilworth Road in a match which features a newly promoted team and a promotion favourite.
Luton Town have made a return to the second tier of English football thanks to back-to-back promotions. However, they could find life tough in the Championship while Middlesbrough are expected to challenge at the top of the table and at least secure a playoff place this season.
The Hatters have played several friendly games over the summer and won three of them. However, they suffered a setback in their final friendly before the start of the season when they slumped to a 5-1 home defeat at the hands of Norwich City.
That will serve as a wakeup call for Luton Town, who went ten games unbeaten at the end of last season in League One. Trends show Luton Town lost only one of their last thirty-three home games in all competitions and the defeat came at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup.
Luton Town did not lose a home league game last season but have a new man at the helm, with Graeme Jones coming in to replace Mick Harford as manager. They have not been afraid to bring players in during the transfer window but the loss of Jack Stacey to Bournemouth will be a blow.
Middlesbrough parted company with Tony Pulis at the end of last season and the Welshman has been replaced by Jonathan Woodgate. He was already part of the setup at Middlesbrough and has added Robbie Keane as his number two.
Middlesbrough have played a mix of teams in preseason, culminating in a 1-1 draw with St Etienne. They suffered a heavy 5-1 loss against Heidenheim who play in the second tier of German football and that will not have gone unnoticed.
Boro’s away form in the Championship last season saw them win two of their last five games. They defeated Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United but suffered defeats against Aston Villa, Swansea City and Nottingham Forest.
Woodgate has spoken about the team playing exciting and attacking football this season, so it will be interesting to see how that develops in what could be a tricky opening match.
The season starts here! 🤩 #UTB— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) August 2, 2019
The season starts here! 🤩 #UTB
Team news and Luton Town could play with two up-front, with James Collins and George Moncur the likely partnership. Matty Pearson and Sonny Bradley are expected to start in the middle of a back four in what could be a 4-4-2 formation.
Middlesbrough could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with new signing Marcus Browne playing an attacking midfield role. Britt Assombalonga is expected to start up-front for the visitors.
Luton Town will be cheered on by a packed home crowd but Middlesbrough have plenty of Championship experience in their team. It would be a shock if Middlesbrough did not come away with the win.