On Friday, August 2, 2019, Luton receives a visit from Middlesbrough, in the first match of the Championship season. The match will take place on Kenliworth Road and will be refereeed by Oliver Langford.

Luton: Form of moment, last results, statistics

After 12 years of absence he returns to the Championship with great thoughts. Even though the promotion was obtained with Mick Harford on the bench, the management of the club brought in the one who was the assistant of Roberto Martinez for 11 years, Graeme Jones. The Briton is in the first experience as head coach and aims to save from relegation. In order to avoid emotions, some players were transferred. For the goalkeeper Simona Sluga the club paid 1.5 million euros, but the most important acquisition is the remaining goalkeeper James Collins. In the previous season Luton played offensive football, but with the arrival of the new coach, the defensive will receive more attention.

• Probable Team (4-3-1-2): Sluga – Galloway, Pearson, Bradley, Cranie – Mpanzu, Shinnie, Tunnicliffe – Lee – McManaman, Collins;

Middlesbrough: Form of moment, last results, statistics

Almost at the beginning of each season, he is listed with a real chance at promotion to the Premier League. In the previous season he missed the play-off at only one point the difference. After this failure, the coach was dismissed and Jonathan Woodgate, who played six seasons for this club, was brought to the technical bench. Even if he has no coaching experience, the club management trusts him. Woodgate has promised a much more offensive style of play and with a little luck, it can achieve remarkable results. Middlesbrough did not excel in the matches played on foreign soil, but at this moment he has a more valuable team than the home team. Marcus Browne and Marvin Johnson had good performances in the friendly and both have high chances to be starters.

• Probable team (4-3-3): Randolph – Nowson, Ayala, Shotton, Friend – Wing, Saville, McNair – Johnson, Assombalonga, Browne;

Luton vs Middlesbrough Picks

Luton is a favorite in this game. He returned to the Championship after a very long absence and most likely the stadium will be full. However, Middlesbrough has a lot more value and I do not think he will miss the first game of the current season.

Our Prediction: 2

Odds: 2.08