“What a 12 months,” exclaimed Luton Town manager Rob Edwards when asked about his one-year anniversary in the role, but the next 12 months could be a period of great frustration and regret unless they can move further away from the relegation zone, having exited it during the international break thanks to Everton’s ten-point deduction. By no means out of the woods just yet, Luton’s own productivity will need to increase quickly to fight off the drop this campaign.
That elusive first home win of the Premier League (PL) season at Kenilworth Road (D2, L3) doesn’t appear too far away at least. A 1-1 draw against Liverpool followed three losses by a one-goal margin and a 1-1 stalemate with Wolves, suggesting that they haven’t been far off the pace. Having picked up four PL points from the two occasions in which they scored first, it’s clear what a difference the opening goal makes for them.
Despite producing equalisers in each half, Crystal Palace suffered their third loss in four PL games (W1) with a 3-2 defeat to Everton just prior to the international break. After just 12 rounds of league action (W4, D3, L5), it was their eighth game of the PL season to be won by the team that scored first, so they too know the importance of getting off to a quick start.
Manager Roy Hodgson believes the return of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze will strengthen their performances, despite goalscoring not being a major issue. They can cling on to a W3, D3, L1 PL record against clubs starting this round in the bottom half of the standings at least, including away wins ‘to nil’ at Luton’s fellow newly promoted clubs Sheffield United (1-0) and Burnley (2-0).
Players to watch: Having spent five years at Crystal Palace, Luton will be hoping for some inside knowledge from new signing Andros Townsend – or at least his first goal contribution for the club! For the visitors, Odsonne Édouard’s strike against Everton was his sixth competitive goal of the season, all of which have come in the second half!
Hot stat: 73% of goals scored or conceded by either team this season came after half-time.
