Chelsea host Luton at Stamford Bridge on Friday night, the first time these clubs have met in a league game since 1991.
They clash in West London this weekend both still searching for their first wins of the new campaign.
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool in their opener but were soundly beaten 3-1 at West Ham on Sunday.
Luton have played just one match resulting in a 4-1 drubbing at Brighton. Their scheduled first home game of the new season – against Burnley – was postponed because the Hatters' Kenilworth Road ground hasn't quite met Premier League safety standards.
Chelsea are some way from the force they once were as Mauricio Pochettino rebuilds but they should still have far too much firepower for Luton.
- Chelsea to win
- Over 2.5 goals
- Raheem Sterling anytime scorer
Chelsea Can Register First Win
There has been plenty to like about Chelsea in the first fortnight of the campaign, as well as plenty of painful reminders of why they have fallen from grace of late.
One point from six is hardly spellbinding, but they held their own against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw and bossed long periods of the game at West Ham before succumbing 3-1.
Twenty-seven shots fired off over the course of two matches shows an attacking intent that wasn't always there under Graham Potter. Twenty-five shots allowed hints, however, that they are still to easy to play through.
Luton won't be a soft touch – they are far too physical to ever be labelled soft – but they also look vulnerable at the back. In their one completed match – the 4-1 thumping at Brighton – they shipped an astonishing 27 shots and if Albion can cut them to shreds, then so too can Chelsea.
Goal Tally Could Soar
It is quite clear under Mauricio Pochettino that Chelsea are going to be a front-footed unit and utilise the attacking gems at their disposal.
Christopher Nkunku, a proper frontman, isn't fit yet so makeshift Nicolas Jackson will doubtless continue in that role and has already built up a really decent understanding with Raheem Sterling.
Carney Chukwuemeka's injury is a blow but this is a game where Conor Gallagher can play more prominently while there will be an opportunity for one or other of local starlets Mason Barstow and Nony Madueke.
Pace hurts in the Premier League. Luton won’t have encountered a lot of it in the Championship; Chelsea with wing backs bombing on as well, have plenty of it, and if they can get a goal early they could easily rattle up a big number.
On the flip side, Chelsea's defence can be too easily ruffled and Elijah Adebayo and Chiddy Ogbene (given a run) could scare Pochettino's back line half to death if they get any service.
Sizzling Sterling Looks In Nick
Nicolas Jackson is on interim centre-forward duties with Christopher Nkunku injured, but the real threat to Luton's defence is going to come from Raheem Sterling.
Against Liverpool, Sterling, Reece James and Jackson looked telepathic at times down the right while at West Ham – with James out – the England forward took it upon himself to tear man-sized holes in the home rearguard.
Coming off his most barren scoring season since 2015-16, Sterling looks rejuvenated under Pochettino and will be a real goal threat cutting in off the flank.
An obliging defence such as Luton's could be the cue for him to kickstart his scoring campaign.
RAHEEM STERLING ANYTIME SCORER
