Football 
Tennis 
Horse Racing Live: Luton vs West Ham Bet Builder Tips, Opta Stats, and Player Props: Hatters Have To Make These Count
We have Luton vs West Ham bet builder tips in store for you as Friday Night Football provides a special occasion: The Hatters playing their first-ever home league match in the Premier League.
Kenilworth Road will be bouncing as they welcome fellow Londoners, West Ham. The hosts are expected to struggle this season, but you can be sure they’ll be well up for this clash on home soil.
Bet Builder odds: 21.00
England, Premier League, September 1st, 20:00 (UK)
Odds via bet365 as at 09:00, August 29th 2023. Odds may now differ.
Luton vs West Ham Bet Builder Tips: The Lowdown
Luton are the underdogs here. They’re best priced at 4.75 to earn their first league win of the season. Moyes’ side are available to back at 1.83 with the draw priced at 3.80 with multiple sites.
The goal line is set at 2.50, with the prices being similar for under and overs. It’s hard to judge how this game will pan out, but we all know that backing against goals to be scored is never enjoyable.
Carlton Morris bagged 20 times in 47 appearances for Luton in the Championship last campaign; hitting a similar amount will be massive, but of course, the chances are incredibly slim. He’s the shortest price in the goalscorer markets for his side at 4.00. Adebayo is the next best, with Cauley Woodrow and Chiedozie Ogbene a little further down the list. It’s a strike force that does not exactly scream goals at the top level.
Luton are heavily fancied to finish in the bottom three. Home results will define their season. Win your home matches, and you’ve got a chance. Forest proved it’s possible last season, earning 30 of their 38 points at the City Ground. Rob Edwards’ side will be up against it all year; there’s little pressure on them to succeed this season, but in football, you never know.
Despite their European triumphs, West Ham’s 2022/23 Premier League campaign was a disappointment. They earned just 40 points, with only 12 arriving on the road. Their price doesn’t appeal to win this clash, given they picked up just three victories in 19 on the road last time out.
Moyes and the club have recruited smartly after the departure of Declan Rice, with JWP, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus all joining the club. The Ghanaian attracted interest from many clubs across Europe. He’s a class talent, and you’d expect him to be a fan favourite in the capital.
Luton vs West Ham OPTA Stats: Stats to devour before Luton’s historic night
- The last time these clubs met in a competitive clash was back in 1993. Luton won 2-0 at Kenilworth Road in the Championship.
- James Ward-Prowse has been involved in three goals in his two Premier League games for West Ham so far (1 goal, 2 assists), while overall, he’s been involved in seven goals in his last six appearances in the competition (3 goals, 4 assists).
- West Ham scored 16 goals in their 19 away days last season. Only Wolves (12) and Nottingham Forest (11) scored fewer.
- Luton suffered defeat just four times at home across their 2022/23 Championship campaign. Burnley, West Brom, Wigan and Preston were the four sides to leave Kenilworth Road with maximum points.
- West Ham have scored three goals in back-to-back Premier League matches inside the opening three rounds. They failed to do this throughout the previous campaign.
- A victory for West Ham would see them finish the day top of the Premier League table. It would be the first time they’ve led the top-flight, having played at least four games since 14th October 1983 (8 games played).
- Both of West Ham’s last two Premier League games have been 3-1 wins for the Hammers. David Moyes’ side last won three consecutive league matches in January 2022, while not since August 2021 have they scored 3+ goals in three consecutive top-flight matches (a run of 4).
Luton vs West Ham Bet Builder Tips: Crunch time at Kenilworth Road
James Ward-Prowse Over 0.5 Assists
After his side were relegated from the top flight, there was no doubt that a club in the Premier League would snap him up. West Ham made that move, although they took some time to get the deal over the line.
The Englishman has started his life in the capital in fine style. He’s scored and registered two assists in as many starts for the Hammers, proving a tremendous threat from dead-ball situations. And, of course, away from a set piece, Ward Prowse can play a killer pass with his exceptional technique.
There’s plenty of height within the West Ham squad. We saw Nayef Aguerd get on the end of a JWP corner just seven minutes into the midfielder’s debut against Chelsea. Kurt Zouma, Soucek and Michail Antonio will all fancy their chances of getting on the end of their teammate’s crosses.
Carlton Morris Anytime Goalscorer
Luton have to go for it at home. They simply must win matches at Kenilworth Road, and they’ll be hopeful that their star man, Carlton Morris, can bang in the goals. He’s a hefty price to score on Friday night in a game where he and his side will be pumped and raring to go.
The forward bagged on the opening day from the spot where he had four shots, with two coming on target. He registered three shots in their trip to Chelsea. He’ll get chances, and if a penalty is awarded to Luton, he’ll be the man to take it.
West Ham haven’t kept a clean sheet this season, which will give Rob Edwards’ side confidence. Luton have found the back of the net in 14 of their previous 16 home matches, a stat that will bring belief to the squad as well as the fans in attendance.
Luton Over 11.5 Shots
This shot angle seems an interesting one, and it’s something I’m willing to get behind. The buzz of it being their first home game in the top flight is a factor, but they have recorded strong shot totals in both of their openers despite being the visitors and priced as massive underdogs (13.00 & 12.50).
At the Amex on the opening weekend, they had just 29% possession but still managed nine shots. Luton had 33% of the ball in the defeat to Chelsea. They accumulated an impressive 11 attempts that night. Hitting 12 shouldn’t be a huge ask here. The crowd will be cheering them on and acting as their 12th man.
David Moyes’ side have allowed 14, 17, and 25 shots so far this campaign. Despite their impressive start, they’ll be happy to soak up pressure and cause a threat on the break.
RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING
At bettingexpert, we always take a responsible approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.
