Luton vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

• There have been at least three goals in 13 of Luton’s last 16 games
• Nottingham Forest have scored and conceded in five of their last six Premier League away games
• The Hatters have scored and conceded in 11 of their 14 home league games this term

Crucial clash in battle for survival

Luton will have to pick themselves back up from a crushing defeat at Bournemouth in time for the biggest game of their season against Nottingham Forest.

The importance of the clash between two clubs currently astride the relegation line and separated by just three points cannot be underplayed and the Hatters’ preparation will be less than ideal.

Rob Edwards’ side could have been level on points with Forest had they held onto a three-goal lead on the South Coast, but a tactical switch and some ropey defending allowed the Cherries to complete a sensational comeback.

Adebayo injury has left Hatters in a muddle 

Luton’s defensive record has taken a battering in recent weeks with the Hatters shipping three or more goals in five of their last seven games.  But Edwards’ side have been among the Premier League’s most potent teams at the other end with only Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle outscoring Luton since the end of January.

The Hatters have scored eight goals in their last four games, despite being without in-form frontman Elijah Adebayo for an extended period. Adebayo’s aerial ability and physicality gives Luton the option to hit the ball long from deep positions, which in turn enables the defence to stay relatively deep.

Without him, they appear to be getting caught out by teams making runs in behind as Edwards’ tactics have become muddled by the desire to push players forward.

Both teams should score in open encounter  

The result of this game is pretty tough to call as Forest have lost nine of their 14 away Premier League games and failed to score in each of their last three in all competitions. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could have beaten Liverpool if they had taken their chances, but that has been an issue for a while now.

The best bet here is probably backing both teams to score and over 2.5 goals in the game. Luton have won three and drawn three of their last 12 top-flight matches, but the overriding pattern of those games has been the proliferation of goals.

Even Forest, who are not known for their open style, have seen both teams score in five of their last six away games while at least three goals have been scored in six of their last nine Premier League road assignments.