Luton Town return to action in English football’s second tier for the first time in 12 years when they take on Middlesbrough at Kenilworth Road this evening.
The Hatters won Sky Bet League One last season and begin the new campaign against a Boro outfit who were playing English Premier League football a little over two years ago.
Luton Town appointed a new manager over the summer with former West Bromwich Albion assistant coach Graeme Jones making the move to Bedfordshire. His opening match in charge is a ‘battle of the rookies’ with Jonathan Woodgate also making his managerial debut in the opposing dugout.
The home side could hand debuts to several of their summer signings with Simon Sluga, Martin Cranie, Brendan Galloway, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jacob Butterfield and Callum McManaman having joined the club while winger Kazenga LuaLua has returned.
It is thought that new Hatters boss Jones has a virtually fully fit squad to select from ahead of the fixture at a sold out Kenilworth Road.
Visitors Middlesbrough will be without defender Deal Fry for the long trip south with the player sidelined with a hamstring injury. Boro boss Woodgate will check on the fitness of goalkeeper Darren Randolph and defender George Friend, although the pair are expected to be declared fit.
The Teessiders could start with striker Britt Assombalonga as the lone frontman while the lively Marcus Browne may be handed his debut after impressing against French club AS Saint-Etienne last weekend.
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7.45pm and will be screened live on Sky Sports Football.
