Luton vs QPR: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Both sides have endured disappointing seasons so far, though Luton’s expectations of a promotion battle makes their slow start all the more surprising. However, we are backing the Hatters to pick up their first win of the campaign against a stuttering QPR side.

Luton’s superior squad gives them the edge in this contest, and they also have the recent advantage in the head-to-head with two consecutive wins. QPR have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last three against Luton, and also none in their last seven games in general, dating back to pre-season.

There should be goals in this one, with the Over 2.5 market landing in four of the last five meetings. The visitors will put up a fight, getting on the scoresheet, but Luton should come away with the three points – Luton 2-1 QPR

Luton Town host QPR in their fourth game of the Championship season looking to finally kick start their campaign with three points.

Date: 30/08/24

Kick-off time: 20:00

Venue: Kenilworth Road

It has been a hugely disappointing season so far for Luton as they still seek their first win of the campaign. After being relegated from the Premier League last season, they are amongst the favourites to make an immediate return, however have dug themselves into an early hole. Their one point from three leaves them second bottom of the table, but a victory this weekend could give them some much needed momentum going forward.

Despite their slow start, there is still plenty of talent in the squad, most notably Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo, who topped their scoring charts in the top flight last season with 11 and 10 goals respectively. Tahith Chong also impressed for the club, and has scored the only goal of the season so far in the first game against Burnley. Therefore, there are reasons for manager Rob Edwards to remain optimistic, though they will need to start recording wins as soon as possible to avoid falling behind the pack.

They should be confident in doing so at home against a QPR side who have also endured a difficult campaign. Three games in, they sit just above the relegation zone with two points, following two draws in a row. They too are searching for their first win, but face a tough trip on the road. Last season, they struggled in attack, with their 47 goals scored more than only three other teams. Ilias Chair was their leading scorer with seven, closely followed by Lyndon Dykes with six. Chair has yet to find the back of the net this campaign, though Dykes netted a late equaliser against Sheffield United.

Both sides will be aware of weaknesses to exploit in each defence, QPR have conceded six in three whilst Luton have allowed five. However, four of these were in the opening game against Burnley. This should make for an intriguing matchup where both teams will be desperate to win, but will not want to be forced into any errors which could make for a cagey affair.

These two teams have met in the Championship eight times since 2019. QPR have been the superior side, winning five of these fixtures and losing just twice. This includes a four-game winning streak between 2021 and 2022. However, Luton have been on top in the most recent games, which came in late 2022. They are currently winners of two in a row, looking to make it three. In that season, Luton did the double over QPR, beating them 3-1 at Kenilworth Road, and 3-0 away from home. The home fixture saw Adebayo score the opener, a lead which was added to by Cameron Jerome. The visitors pulled one back in stoppage time, but the Hatters responded immediately with a third from Luke Freeman.

Luton vs QPR will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Luton

Luton will likely reinstate goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski to the lineup after he served his suspension for a red card picked up against Portsmouth, returning James Shea to the bench. Manager Rob Edwards should have a fully fit squad to choose from otherwise.

QPR

Midfielder Jack Colback is eligible to return after serving a suspension. Lyndon Dykes was left out of the squad last week which fuelled transfer speculation as he did not appear to be suffering from any injury. This puts his availability for this weekend in doubt.

Luton:

In their last five games, Luton have drawn two and lost three. It was a poor end to pre-season for the Hatters, and this form continued into the league campaign as they were crushed 4-1 at home by Burnley in their opener. They got off to a dreadful start, falling behind after six minutes before heading into the break with a two-goal deficit. Tahith Chong pulled one back, but Burnley extended their lead in the latter stages.

Their search for a win continued as they held Portsmouth to a goalless draw. They were put at a huge disadvantage in the first half as their goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski was shown a straight red card. However, they were able to hang on for a point. Their most recent game was a trip to Preston, in which they lost 1-0 against the struggling side. Will Keane scored the winner after 39 minutes.

This stretch began with two friendlies, firstly a 2-2 draw with Dundee United, before they ended their preparations with a 3-1 loss to Spanish side Celta Vigo.

QPR:

In their last five games, QPR have won one, drawn two and lost two. It has been a mixed start to the season for QPR across two competitions. Their most recent game was their third league game of the season as they drew 1-1 with Plymouth at home. They took an early lead through Michael Frey, but were pegged back just before the half hour mark. The visitors were reduced to 10 men, but QPR could not take advantage.

This followed a 2-2 draw at Sheffield United, in which they recovered from two goals down to salvage a point on the road. They were two behind after just 13 minutes, but fought back in the second half with goals from Jimmy Dunne and Lyndon Dykes. Focus had shifted to the EFL Cup in the previous game, as they advanced to the second round with a 2-1 in at Cambridge. Michael Frey and Paul Smyth were on the scoresheet.

Their first league game of the season was a home fixture against West Brom. Despite taking the lead, they allowed three unanswered from Josh Maja to fall to a 3-1 defeat. The first game of this run was their final pre-season friendly against Brighton. The Premier League side were 1-0 winners.

• Latest match predictions
• Football tips
• Football accumulator tips
• Football bet of the day