Resurgent Bournemouth travel to Kenilworth Road to take on Luton Town in the Championship. Bournemouth edged past the Hatters the last time they met. First-half goals from Billings and Solanke proved enough to seal a 2-1 win back in September of last year.
The home side have not played a league game for one month. They played their last league game on 11th December against Fulham which turned out to be a 1-1 draw. Two of their games against Swansea and Coventry City were postponed later that month due to the Covid outbreak.
Luton Town sit 16th on the table with 29 points. They are 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Their manager Nathan Jones will take positives from their draw against Fulham in their last game and will hope to steal some points from yet another big side in the league.
Luton Town Championship form: L D L W D
The Cherries have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table. A win against Luton Town will put them 4 clear of rivals Fulham. But the Cottagers hold 2 games over Bournemouth.
Bournemouth had a blip in form at the end of last year. But they have found their feet again recently with back-to-back league wins against QPR and Cardiff City. Scott Parker’s side went through to the 4th round of the FA Cup last week with the help of a Mercondes hattrick.
Bournemouth went unbeaten for the first 15 games of the season. They will be hoping to build on their recent success and go on a similar run to solidify their place at the top of the table.
Bournemouth Championship form: D L L W W
Luton Town vs Bournemouth: Team news
Luton Town
Cameron Jerome is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up after scoring against Harrogate in the FA Cup. Luton will be without Admiral Muskwe who is away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
Harry Cornik seems to be the only absentee due to injury for the Hatters. The forward is suffering from a calf injury. Other than the forward, Nathan Jones will have a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Possible Luton Town starting line-up
Shea; Burke, Bradley, Naismith; Bree, Mpanzu, Mendes, Bell; Clark, Adebayo, Jerome
Bournemouth
Scott Parker fielded a completely changed squad in their FA Cup game against Yeovil Town. He made 10 changes in that game but will revert to his strongest 11 for the Championship game.
Jordan Zemura will be away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations. Junior Stanislas will be sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
New signing James Hill is a doubt and Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird will not be involved in the game.
Possible Bournemouth starting line-up
Travers; Stacey, Cahill, Kelly, Davis; Cook, Lerma, Billing; Christie, Solanke, Marcondes
Our prediction
Luton Town 1-3 Bournemouth
The away side have been impressive lately. They are the league leaders and they will justify their position with a win against Luton Town. Solanke will be key for the Cherries and could prove to be the difference between the sides. Bournemouth are very strong on paper for Luton Town.
Luton Town have struggled to find any consistency this season. Their football has not been easy on the eye this season. They will find it hard to get anything away from this game.
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