Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EFL Championship match.
Luton Town
Luton Town are currently struggling with their finishing. Last season, they clung to their Premier League status for a long time, and they certainly didn't expect such a start in the lower division. The departure of Ross Barkley, the team's playmaker, has disrupted their attacking connections, but can everything really hinge on one player? In their cup match against Queens Park Rangers, Luton Town had twice as many shots (21-10), yet the outcome was still roughly the same. Shots on target were 7-6, with both teams scoring one goal each. Their poor finishing was evident even in the penalty shootout: one shot was saved by the goalkeeper, and another hit the woodwork. Home advantage hasn't made things easier; at Kenilworth Road, the club has already suffered a heavy defeat to Burnley (1:4).
Queens Park Rangers
QPR not only allow others to play but also challenge any defence, even if it's a former Premier League side. Sheffield United, for example, saw a comfortable victory (2:0) slip into a draw. Luton struggled against their defence in the second half (13 shots, 6 corners). Queens Park Rangers are much more efficient with their chances, averaging 6.3 shots on target per game in the Championship compared to their upcoming opponent's 3.7. Their shot-to-goal conversion rate is 20%, while Luton's is just 8%. A valuable addition has been the loan of attacking player Karamoko Dembélé from French side Brest. The English junior has provided assists in matches against Sheffield and Plymouth.
Luton Town - Queens Park Rangers Prediction
Looking beyond their recent League Cup clash, since Luton Town's promotion to the Championship in 2019, Queens Park Rangers have celebrated success five times, Luton Town have won twice, and there has been just one draw. However, Luton Town won the two most recent encounters, but that was a special season for them. Currently, they are on a seven-match winless streak. They might be able to beat Queens Park Rangers, but not by more than one goal.
