Chelsea welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge for their first ever meeting in the Premier League this Friday. The Blues haven’t had the start to the season they would’ve hoped for and Luton are yet to get their first Premier League point, meaning both teams will be eager to get their first win of the season.
After two games of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Chelsea sit a disappointing 15th with just one point from the possible six. New manager, Mauricio Pochettino and his band of new arrivals this summer faced a baptism of fire in their first two games. After such a poor 2022/23 season, Chelsea will be looking to climb the table and get back into European football.
The opening game of the season came against Liverpool, where Pochettino’s brand of football was on show for the first time with Chelsea. After Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Liverpool, new signing Axel Disasi pulled Chelsea level with his first goal for the club. Both Liverpool and Chelsea had possible game-winning goals ruled out for offside as both clubs took home a point.
Chelsea’s first away game of the season was a London Derby against West Ham. Nayef Aguerd scored early for The Hammers, with Carney Chukwuemeka’s goal leaving the game at 1 - 1 for halftime. Enzo Fernandez failed to convert his penalty and despite the lion's share of possession, Michail Antonio and a late Lucas Paqueta gave West Ham the 3 - 1 win.
Luton sit just one spot above the relegation zone with zero points, but The Hatters have only played one game thus far. However, of those beneath them on the table, Wolves and Everton have already lost twice, meaning if Luton can grab a point from either game against Burnley or Chelsea, they may continue to evade the relegation zone.
Luton’s Premier League debut came away at The Amex against Brighton and wasn’t the debut The Hatters would’ve wanted. Goals from Solly March, a Joao Pedro penalty, Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson gave Brighton the 4 - 1 win. Luton’s first Premier League goal came from their top scorer last season, Carlton Morris, after he converted the penalty awarded for a handball against Lewis Dunk.
Luton’s first home game of the season was due to be against Burnley but had to be postponed as the redevelopments to Kenilworth Road are yet to be finished. The redevelopments are to meet broadcast and media requirements in the Premier League.
Chelsea and Luton have met 45 times in their histories, with their last meeting in the same league coming back in 1991. The Blues have won 19 times in comparison to The Hatters’ 14 times, with the other 12 meetings ending in draws.
The last time Chelsea and Luton met was in the FA Cup last season. Reece Burke gave The Hatters the lead in the second minute before Saul Niguez made it 1 - 1. Luton had the lead going into the second half through Harry Cornick’s goal but goals from Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku gave Chelsea the 3 - 2 win.