EFL Championship Play-Offs 2022-23: Luton Town vs Sunderland: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Black Cats head into the second leg of the playoffs with a 2-1 advantage

The EFL Championship qualification process is simple - the top 2 teams get promoted automatically. While teams from position 3 to 6 battle it out in knockout mode to reserve the last seat for the upcoming PL season.

Sunderland already have an upper hand as they travel to Kenilworth Road stadium for the away leg. Although away side Luton Town did open the game with a goal in the first leg. It was Sunderland FC that emerged victorious at the final whistle.

Luton Town were knocked out by Huddersfield Town in last years play-offs and are on the verge of another one this season.

"There's still a long way to go in this, and I still believe." - Rob Edwards, Manager Luton Town FC

Kick-Off:

Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 8 pm BST

Wednesday, 17 May 2023 at 12:30 am IST

Location: Kenilworth Road

Form

Luton Town (in all competitions): L-D-D-W-D

Sunderland (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-D

Players to Watch

Carlton Morris (Luton Town)

Carlton Morris has been Luton Town's top striker this season. The number 9 has netted 20 goals in the EFL Championship. And the Hatters will put their trust and belief in Morris to help them overturn the tie at home. He joined them last year in July 2022 from Barnsley FC after they got relegated to the Football League One - one tier below EFL Championship.

Amad Diallo (Sunderland)

Amad Diallo, the loanee from Manchester United scored an unbelievable curler into the top netting in the first-leg tie against Luton Town. And the attacking right winger has enough qualities to do it once again for the second time of asking. The 20-year-olds loan is set due to expire on 31 May 2023. The Black Cats will hope he helps in their promotion charge. And while his future involvement at the club totally depends on the Manchester United hierarchy and their manager, Erik ten Hag.

Match Facts

• Luton Town are on the verge of second straight knockout in the playoffs in two seasons straight
• In last 5 head to head ties between Luton Town and Sunderland, 4 were draws. Only Sunderland managed a win that came in the first leg (yesterday) as they head into the second leg
• Sunderland's Jack Clarke has the most assists in the EFL Championship 2022-23 season - 12 assists(including 1 in playoffs)

Injury & Team News

The home side, Luton Town have a fully fit squad at their disposal.

Sunderland's medical attention will remain on Daniel Ballard, Ross Stewart, Jewison Bennette, Elliot Embleton, Corry Evans, Aji Alese.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 21

Luton Town wins – 5

Sunderland wins – 11

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineup

Luton Town predicted lineup (3-5-2)

Horvath(GK), Osho, Lockyer, Bell, Clark, Doughty, Nakamba, Ruddock, Drameh, Morris, Adebayo

Sunderland predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Patterson(GK), Roberts, Hume, O’Nien, Gooch, Neil, Ekwah, Diallo, Pritchard, Clarke, Gelhardt

Match Prediction for Luton Town vs Sunderland

We expect Sunderland to come out on top and progress to the finals of the EFL playoffs.

Prediction: Luton Town 1-1 Sunderland (Aggregate score: Luton Town 2-3 Sunderland)

Telecast

India – Fancode

UK – BT Sport

US – ESPN+

Nigeria – Supersport