Luton vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Luton have lost seven of their last nine league games
• Bournemouth have won four of their last five games
• The Cherries have won their other three visits to the bottom four
• Luton have seen both teams score in 13 of their last 15 games

Can Luton turn things around?

Luton’s push for survival has firmly gone off the rails, with the Hatters back into the bottom three thanks to an 11-game winless run. Rob Edwards has seen his side claim just two points from the last 27 available, missing a golden chance to get out in front of Everton and Nottingham Forest.

If Luton need guidance on how to bounce back, they should look to Saturday’s opponents. Bournemouth won just once in their first 11 games this term, before launching into a seven-game unbeaten run which included six wins. Their form fell apart again at the turn of the year, failing to win in seven. However, they head to Kenilworth Road unbeaten in five, winning four of those.

Now the Cherries are within three points of the top eight and hoping to continue this stellar run.

Cherries making the most of kind run

While Bournemouth’s form has been up and down, they’ve been helped by their fixture list. The Cherries have managed only two wins from 15 games against the sides above them, including seven defeats to the top five. Meanwhile, they’ve won nine of 15 meetings with teams below them, including victories at the rest of the bottom four.

While the visitors’ form is patchy, they’re making the most of winnable games. With a visit to a Luton side who have suffered 19 defeats this season up next, Andoni Iraola’s side are worthy favourites to pick up another win.

However, Luton have seen both teams score in 80% of their home games this term. They’ve seen both teams find the net in 13 of their last 15 matches, while they’ve scored in 12 of their last 13 at Kenilworth Road. Bournemouth look a little shaky at the back with Marcos Senesi still out, so back Luton to net in a defeat.

Zabarnyi can get among the goals

With goals likely, Bournemouth centre-half Illia Zabarnyi is a great anytime goalscorer option. Luton have a poor record at defending set pieces, with only two sides conceding more goals from that method this term.

Bournemouth’s centre-halves have been a real threat from set pieces this season, with Senesi scoring three away goals this term. Zabarnyi should be able to step up in his absence, having scored in Bournemouth’s incredible comeback when they beat Luton 4-3 last month.

Zabarnyi averages 0.4 set-piece chances per game and with Luton giving up so many chances from those opportunities, the defender looks like a great option to score in this clash.