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The weeks are tumbling down until Luton Town finally get to kick off in the Premier League for the first time in over thirty years. Now we know the fixture list that awaits the Hatters between August and May, we can start to forecast how Rob Edwards side will get on and be able to hold their own against the big guns. But in order to hold our own in the Premier League, the first five games will be a huge factor. It's remarkable to think that the first five games of last season, Luton only won won and drew twice under Nathan Jones; the only win coming away against Swansea City thanks to goals by Allan Campbell and a first for Carlton Morris.
Here's a closer look in detail at Luton Town's first five games in the Premier League.
Saturday, 12th August - Brighton (a)
Our first game away at the Seagulls will be the first sign of not only how strong Rob Edwards can recruit and implement the necessary changes required for the step up in class that the Premier League requires, but also whether the home side can emulate the success they saw last season. Pelly Ruddock will be able to step out as a Premier League player having ascended the football pyramid with us and been pivitol throughout.
The loss of Alexis Mac Allister will be a big miss if Brighton don't replace him adequately might see Roberto De Zerbi's side become vulnerable.
Saturday, 19th August - Burnley (h)
The first game back at the renovated Kenilworth Road will be an unforgettable atmosphere. As many will be watching how the Bobbers is redeveloped, Vincent Kompany's Clarets won't know what to expect when they return to Luton once again. Rob Edwards will have renewed confidence welcoming the Championship winners in front of the home crowd, despite the side inflicting one of only two home defeats that Edwards faced during our charge since the start of 2023.
Depending on how the away day on the South Coast goes, you would feel that Luton could come back to Bedfordshire hoping they could look at stealing three crucial points against a team that came up to the Premier League with them.
Saturday, 26th August - Chelsea (a)
I wrote before the fixture list was released that Chelsea were a team that Luton could realistically target for survival in the Premier League, and I still stand by this bold prediction. Mauricio Pochettino's third league game in charge of the Blues will be one that he will be focused on getting past at Stamford Bridge. But Edwards by this point should have a strong enough unit to bring to West London to show the same resilience and spirit that the Hatters have shown in the previous two recent encounters in the FA Cup.
For sure, if Asmir Begović was to become a Hatter at the age of 36, having him start against his former club would certainly bolster our chances with the years of experience he brings into the fold.
Saturday, 2nd September - West Ham (h)
Our last game before the first international break of the season, and after the Summer Transfer Window closes will be a hotly contested game at the Kenny against the Hammers. As the talk of whether Declan Rice will remain under David Moyes' side continues to grow, taking on what will be a settled and comfortable Hatters will be key before the two week break. Whilst the Oak Road will be a sight to behold, the action on the pitch will still be a task irrespective of Rice's involvement, as they will be preparing for a Europa League campaign of their own.
What will not help Luton's cause either is how the Irons will have faced Brighton and Chelsea prior to their visit to Bedfordshire, which may help or hinder their confidence.
Saturday, 16th September - Fulham (a)
The first game back from the international break will fill Hatters with optimism if you look back on the previous meetings against the Lilywhites. If you put aside the 7-0 drubbing at Craven Cottage, the 0-0 draw would be a fairer reflection of how Luton can step up against a well organised outfit. It will also make you wonder how they will fare, as they will have faced the champions Manchester City before the break themselves. If Rob Edwards can come away from London with even a point, that will be a big gain as Luton embed themselves in the top flight of English football.
Featured image: Copyright of Gareth Owen/LTFC