Luton vs AFC Wimbledon predictions, tips and Bet Builder: League One title favourites can hit the ground running
Expert League One predictions, betting tips and odds for Luton vs AFC Wimbledon.
Where to watch Luton vs AFC Wimbledon
You can watch Luton vs AFC Wimbledon in League One at 8pm on Friday, August 1, live on Sky Sports Main Event & Football
Luton vs AFC Wimbledon prediction & best bet
Luton to win & under 3.5 goals
1pt 5-4 Coral, Ladbrokes
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Luton vs AFC Wimbledon odds
Here are the latest odds ahead of Luton vs AFC Wimbledon in League One
| Match result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luton | 4-9 with Paddy Power |
| AFC Wimbledon | 11-2 with Paddy Power |
| Draw | 17-5 with Paddy Power |
Odds correct at time of publishing
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Luton vs AFC Wimbledon predictions
The new EFL season kicks off at Kenilworth Road on Friday night as League One title favourites Luton bid to make an early statement against the favourites for relegation, AFC Wimbledon.
Two divisions separated these sides last season as Luton suffered their second consecutive relegation, having been mixing it in the Premier League with Liverpool and Manchester City in 2023-2024, while AFC Wimbledon finished fifth in League Two before winning promotion via the playoffs.
Matt Bloomfield has been entrusted with the task of arresting the Hatters’ slump and he has an excellent understanding of what is required in League One, having been second in the table with Wycombe before switching to Kenilworth Road in January.
Luton were relegated from the Championship only on goal difference after a run of just three defeats from their final 12 games was not quite enough to save them, and the gulf in class should be evident against the Wombles.
The Hatters have understandably lost some influential performers but they have been able to retain the bulk of a Championship squad and should prove too good for this level.
Luton are still receiving parachute payments following their relegation from the Premier League and that has allowed them to make moves in the transfer window, with Josh Keeley an upgrade in goal and Nahki Wells and George Saville arriving to provide valuable experience.
AFC Wimbledon don't have anything like the same financial clout and upgrades have been hard to come by with three of their new arrivals - Nathan Asiimwe, Antwoine Hackford and Danilo Orsi - coming through the door as late as Wednesday.
It could take them longer to adjust to their new surroundings and the Dons will be relying on last season’s steely defence to keep them competitive.
Johnnie Jackson’s side had the meanest rearguard in League Two last term, conceding only 35 goals in 49 games, and their final five wins (including their three playoff matches) ended 1-0.
That illustrates their excellent organisation and commitment to the cause but they may lack the firepower to compete given that they scored only 56 times and were the second-lowest scorers in the top half of the fourth tier.
There will be a reliance on 21-goal striker Matty Stevens to hit the ground running but League One is uncharted territory for him and there is no tougher starting point than a trip to Kenilworth Road.
Only three of Luton’s final 18 Championship matches went over 3.5 goals and, with AFC Wimbledon likely to trust in their defensive prowess, the Hatters may have to settle for a gritty opening-day success.
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Key stat
Each of AFC Wimbledon’s final nine games in League Two went under 2.5 goals.
Luton vs AFC Wimbledon team news and predicted line-ups
Luton
Elijah Adebayo and Jacob Brown are two notable injury absentees while Joe Johnson, Teden Mengi and Hakeem Odoffin are also sidelined. Lamine Fanne and Mark McGuinness are back in contention and new signings Josh Keeley, Nahki Wells and George Saville are expected to figure.
Luton (3-4-3): Keeley; Makosso, Naismith, Andersen; Jones, Walsh, Saville, Lonwijk; Alli, Wells, Nordas.
Substitutes: Clark, Baptiste, McGuinness, Fanne, Chong, Walters, Woodrow, Holmes.
AFC Wimbledon
The Wombles have got Sam Hutchinson and Omar Bugiel back from injury over the course of pre-season, while Joe Lewis and Marcus Browne are expected to recover from knocks.
AFC Wimbledon (3-5-2): Bishop; Lewis, Harbottle, Johnson; Hippolyte, Reeves, Smith, Browne, Seddon; Stevens, Bugiel.
Substitutes: Hutchinson, Asiimwe, Hackford, Orsi, Maycock, Kelly, Ogundere, McCoy-Splatt
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Luton vs AFC Wimbledon bet builder predictions
Luton to win
Two divisions separated these teams last season and title favourites Luton should be able to make a winning start given AFC Wimbledon's lack of firepower.
Nahki Wells 2+ shots on target
Having scored ten times for Bristol City in the Championship last season, new recruit Nahki Wells should thrive at this lower level and the veteran forward can have a couple of efforts on target.
Joe Lewis to be shown a card
The AFC Wimbledon defender is expected to recover from a pre-season injury and he was booked 14 times in 42 appearances last season.
Pays out at 7-1 with bet365
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