Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 29
Luton Town v Nottingham Forest
Kenilworth Road
Luton, England
Saturday, 16 March 2024
Kick-off is at 17h00
Luton have a chance to drag Nottingham Forest into the relegation quagmire when they go head to head at Kenilworth Road in the Premier League for the first time on Saturday, March 16.
The two teams shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at the City Ground in October in what was the first-ever meeting between them in the top flight, although they had squared off in the Championship for three seasons prior to Forest's promotion in 2022.
Rob Edwards' side clinched a potentially vital point in 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on March 9 courtesy of Cauley Woodrow's dramatic 96th-minute equaliser.
It halted a four-match losing streak for the Hatters (18th) as they closed within three points of the Tricky Trees (17th) and safety, while remaining seven ahead of Burnley (19th) and Sheffield United (20th), who both drew on matchday 28 as well.
The Reds' poor run of form continued with a 1-0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex on March 9, which extended their losing streak to three games and pushed them close to danger.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side find themselves just one and two points behind Everton (16th) and Brentford (15th) respectively, having seen the Toffees lose 2-0 at Manchester United and the Bees go down 2-1 away to Arsenal.
In team news, Edwards has a whole host of injuries to contend with as Tom Lockyer (heart), Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Brown, Gabriel Osho (all knee), Dan Potts, Amari'i Bell, Albert Sambi Lokonga (all thigh), Joseph Johnson (illness) and Mads Andersen (calf) remain on the sidelines, but Elijah Adebayo (thigh) and Teden Mengi (knock) could feature. Nuno Tavares is the only confirmed absentee for Nuno, who could welcome back Ola Aina and Giovanni Reyna (knock).
Edwards lamented the absence of key players through injury as Luton struggled to reach the same standard against Palace, who led as early as the 1th minute through Jean-Philippe Mateta.
"I think it's hard for us to be at our best and weren't at our best today," he said. "We've got so many players out, key players out - and that's no disrespect to the lads that we got available - but they were amazing for us.
"They're giving us everything, but it's hard for us to be at our best. Hard for us to find loads of rhythm against the team that was almost shape for shape, man for man."
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Nuno was critical of yet another poor refereeing decision that cost Forest after Albion midfielder only received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Neco Williams in the 67th minute.
"Once again it's a mistake - it's a clear red card," the Portuguese told Sky Sports. "When a manager loses a game they come in and say excuses.
"We lost the game and are in trouble. I have a situation to solve. We played a good game, fighting, working and should've got something from the game. Apart from the goal they didn't create too many situations. We had chances.
"Everything changes because of that decision and it's the consequence of week after week of frustration and disappointment. You tell the players to keep on going but they keep giving us these situations, it's week after week. As a club they are costing us. Please someone tell me how that's not a red card."
Head-to-Head (Previous Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 1
Luton wins - 0
Forest wins - 0
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 29 fixtures:
Saturday, March 16
17h00: Burnley v Brentford
17h00: Luton Town v Nottingham Forest
19h30: Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday, March 17
16h00: West Ham United v Aston Villa
Bet on the Premier League with Betway
Start your sport beting journey with Betway Malawi and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the Spanish La Liga, the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions download the Betway App and start playing on the go!