Accrington Stanley vs Luton Town
John Coleman’s Stanley will be looking to finish higher than last season’s 17th place finish but face tough competition in their opening fixture as promotion contenders Luton visit the Frazer Eagle Stadium. It has been a summer of arrivals and departures for Stanley with notable losses in Luke Joyce (Carlisle) and Kal Naismith (Portsmouth) but Coleman has added Adam Morgan (Yeovil) and Billy Kee to the ranks. Stanley will be strong at home once more with 36/56 points gained last season at home (66%).
- Stanley have only won 1 of their last 6 opening day fixtures – victory in 2012 at Southend
- They also lost 4 of their first 5 league games last season
John Still’s Hatters will be looking to push on from last season’s 8th place finish, the Hatters are one of the pre-season favourites for promotion. Last season’s top scorer Mark Cullen left for Blackpool but Still has strengthen his side dramatically in the close season. Josh McQuoid (Bournemouth), Marcus Okunghae (Colchester), Paddy McCourt (Brighton), Scott Cuthbert (Leyton Orient), Danny Green (MK Dons) and Craig Mackail-Smith (Brighton). With the additions Luton will be looking for a strong challenge this season after falling away towards the back end – 3 wins in the last 13 denied Luton a play off place.
- Only 25 of their 68 points came away from home last season – only scored 16 on their travels, only 1 team scored less
- Mid table form from the start of January
Head to Head: 4 previous meetings – Stanley 1, Luton 1, Draw 2
Last Meeting – 28th Feb 2015 – Luton 2-0 Accrington
- Both games at the Frazer Eagle have ended in draws: 0-0 and 2-2
Prediction – Accrington Stanley 1-2 Luton Town
