Opponents predict league finishes and what they expect from Luton Part 2: Oxford United to West Brom
As the season draws ever closer, teams have taken shape. Some have built squads in the hope of keeping them in the Championship, whilst others have invested in players they hope will drag them up from the Football League to the Premier League.
With a ball yet to be kicked, excitement and expectations are high among fans of all 24 Championship clubs.
Plenty will be asked of Luton following relegation and many will be expecting Rob Edwards’ side return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
We asked fans of some of our Championship opponents where they think they will finish, who their star player will be and what they are expecting from Luton. We tried our hand at predicting others!
Oxford United: Fence End Podcast
Predicted league finish: 17th. We've had a good transfer window so far, Championship experience and some good prospects from L1 and L2.
Player to watch: Tyler Goodrham. A local lad who's come through the academy. Has the talent to play in the Premier League. Scored some great goals over the past two seasons. Will probably leave at some point, but until then we'll enjoy him!
Expectation for Luton: Would expect a promotion push.
Plymouth Argyle: Argyle Life
Predicted league finish: 21st - Lots of Argyle fans have high hopes for this season, though I'm less optimistic. I'm still waiting to see whether Wayne Rooney is going to be any good in charge, while I don't think the squad is fantastic. On balance, it's probably better than last season, but Rooney is almost certainly a big step down from former boss Steven Schumacher, which levels it out. With goalkeeper Michael Cooper and forward Morgan Whittaker the continued subjects of much transfer speculation, I think survival is my hope and aim, but I wouldn't be surprised if that didn't happen given the competitiveness of the league. I'll call it that we survive, but only just once again.
Players to watch: Ibrahim Cissoko - Various players are worth keeping an eye on, including last season's player of the season in Whittaker, though he's not who I'd be noting for next season. Instead, the new name to watch is Ibrahim Cissoko, the Guinean-Dutch winger on loan from Ligue 1 side Toulouse. An exciting winger who excels in one-v-ones, Cissoko is the name that most Argyle fans are intrigued about. His output in terms of goals and assists hasn't been anything to shout home about at his previous clubs, though just his style of play (imagine Yannick Bolasie for a simple comparison) will be likely to get fans off their seats next season.
Expectations for Luton: Top 6. I'd be surprised if it was anything lower. Many noted a year ago that Luton looked like they were prepping for future Championship seasons with the benefit of Premier League money. While Ross Barkley is an obvious loss, the rest of the squad looks like one of the strongest in the league for next season on paper. Couple that with an excellent manager in Edwards and it's hard to see Luton as anything other than promotion candidates. While the top 6 should be the aim, even in the lower half of the playoffs would be an obvious disappointment. I don't think it's 'promotion or bust' but I can see why some would think that, given the success of a couple of seasons ago.
Portsmouth: Jake Smith
Predicted league finish: 15th. As Portsmouth embark on their first Championship campaign in 12 years, all involved at the club are fully aware of the tough test that lies ahead in staying up. We can all dream of replicating what Ipswich did but quite frankly the circumstances are different. I think I can speak for the majority when I say a 21st place finish and surviving on goal difference would be considered a successful season, it certainly would suffice for me. I’m predicting Pompey to finish 15th however. With a few more additions, particularly in midfield, I think the Blues are more than capable of steering themselves clear of the drop zone.
Players to watch: There are many players to keep an eye out for, including the likes of Kusini Yengi, Middlesbrough loanee Sammy Silvera and Paddy Lane to name a few, however now our key player surely has to be Matt Ritchie, who just last season registered 13 appearances in the Premier League for Newcastle United. The Gosport-born boyhood Pompey fans return to Fratton Park to fulfil a wish of returning to the club, having seen his progression during youth coincide with Portsmouth FC’s demise and financial struggle.
Expectations for Luton: I have seen many tip Luton for a strong season, with shouts of automatic promotion amongst most, however, I’ll be honest, I can’t see it. In my opinion, Leeds United will redeem themselves after last season’s failure in the Play-Offs and Burnley should once again storm to the top 2, if not the title. For me, Luton will be contending for a position in the playoffs throughout 2024/25, finishing either just inside in 6th.
Preston North End: Deepdale Digest
Predicted league finish: 16th. Lost quality in Alan Browne and Liam Millar, incomings still needed and Ryan Lowe’s relationship with the fans has been difficult at best over the last year. Tough to get too excited!
Key player: Will Keane will get the nod just ahead of Mads Frokjaer-Jensen just because of his consistency and reliability up top. Mads has the magic but we need to see it on a regular basis.
Expectations for Luton: Top six finish, a quality manager with a very good squad which hasn’t been broken up too much.
Queens Park Rangers: W12 Podcast
Predicted league finish: Fingers crossed Marti keeps our progression going 10th.
Players to watch: New Striker Zan Celar and playmaker Ilias Chair,
Expectations for Luton: I expect Luton to finish in the playoffs.
Sheffield United: The Sheff United Way
Predicted league finish: 3rd
Player to watch: Gus Hamer
Expectation of Luton: 4th
Sheffield Wednesday: The Wednesday Week
Predicted League Finish: 8th
Player to watch: Di’Shon Bernard
Expectations of Luton: Picking up where they left off last season! Didn’t overspend last year and were to be an attractive side to watch in the Premier League. I thought they were a tidy unit who were unlucky to get relegated. They will absolutely be up and around the play offs if not pushing for automatic promotion again. Rob Edwards has proven what a progressive manager he is and I think Luton will be an attractive proposition for players looking to play their trade at the top end of the Championship, and this will stand them in good stead.
Stoke City: jack gibson
Predicted League Finish: Top half. I’m feeling naively optmistic this season that we’ll see a big improvement on the pitch and finish top half. I’d love a push at the play offs but will come up short of that.
Player to watch: Our key players for me personally is bae junho and wouter burger, both young talents that we’ll have done well to keep hold of.
Expectation for Luton: I think Luton will be right up there, a top manager at this level and a side that always seems like they’ve got a real togetherness. Came up just short in the Premier League, but no doubt the experience of it will have you desperate to get back as soon as possible
Sunderland: finley cannon (oak road hatter)
Predicted League Finish: 11th. Sunderland had an incredibly disappointing 2023/24 season, finishing 16th just one year after making the playoffs. Regis Le Bris reportedly has a good track record when it comes to developing youngsters and Sunderland have one of the youngest sides in the division. Provided they keep hold of Jack Clarke I think they will finish in mid-table.
Player to watch: Alan Browne. Experience was desperately needed in Sunderland’s squad and the addition of Browne adds just that. The midfielder made over 400 appearances for Preston and he will need to hit the ground running and lead the young squad.
Swansea City: Swans Cast
Predicted league finish: 10th
Players to watch: Ronald - Having joined in January 2024, the Brazilian is likely still under the radar of many EFL fans. The 23-year-old winger joined for around £1m from Brazilian side Anapolis after a loan stint in Portugal. Whilst his end product is a work in progress, he can be deployed down either wing and possesses no fear when taking on defenders. He was often doubled up on in the dying stages of last season yet would often still retain possession or create a chance. He is likely to be Swansea’s next asset to potentially sell next summer.
Expectations for Luton: 3rd - In what seems destined to be a weaker promotion race this season, the championship is wide open to unexpected play-off hopefuls and surprising automatic promotion contenders. That being said, it’s hard to look past Luton being in the automatic promotion mix. Whilst the departures of Ryan Giles, Ross Barkley and Gabriel Osho are significant, Luton still return to the championship with a stronger squad than the one that got them promoted. Furthermore, the quality of the recruitment team at Luton coupled with the sound financial footing that the club finds itself in means that further sensible and intelligent signings can be anticipated over the remainder of the summer.
Luton can adapt as needed to win depending on the opponent. Luton can control games against inferior opposition, they can turn a game scrappy away from home when it isn’t going their way, and the opposition can never sit too comfortably against them when trying to defend a lead. It is sometimes frowned upon to keep the same manager who got you relegated, but it only makes sense to keep Rob Edwards. In him, Luton have a manager who understands the ethos of the club. The new contract for Edwards means that turbulence will have been minimised this summer, and the Luton that we see in the opening weeks of the season can be expected to be one of the strongest starters of the season.
Watford: Do Not Scratch Your Eyes
Predicted league finish: Unless we sign some players and quick 21st.
Player to Watch: Rocco Vata.
Expectation of Luton: To wave menacingly at us we travel up to Kenilworth Road on Harry Potter buses. Oh did you want a football answer? Well obviously I hope we beat you in both matches but in all honesty I can’t see us finishing higher than you come the end of the season.
West Bromwich Albion: Albion Analysis
Predicted league finish: 9th, but if we keep bringing in exciting players like we have the last couple of days I’d be tempted to move that higher
Player to watch: Tom Fellows. One of the most exciting young talents in the division was brilliant in the second half of last season and I see no reason he can’t go to the next level this term.
Expectation of Luton: I expect you to compete for automatic promotion. You have a better squad than when you last went up and a top manager. I think you will be in the mix for automatic all season.
