The first match-week of the 2024-25 Championship season wraps up with a highly anticipated clash between two relegated Premier League sides as Luton Town take on Burnley on Monday.

Both clubs have undergone significant squad overhauls, with Burnley facing the additional challenge of appointing a new manager following Vincent Kompany’s departure. Luton struggled for consistency in the top flight, often relying on resolute defensive displays to salvage points.

Their underwhelming pre-season form, highlighted by a solitary victory in five matches, raises questions about their readiness for the Championship challenge. Burnley, despite showcasing an attractive style under Kompany, were unable to secure Premier League survival.

MORE: What is Sky Sports+? Explaining new TV channel, live stream option and cost for UK users 

A more positive pre-season campaign, following the 1-1 score against Spanish side Cadiz, suggests the Clarets may be better prepared for the rigors of the second tier.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

MORE: How to watch EFL Championship in the UK this season

Luton Town vs. Burnley live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this EFL Championship match in the UK:

• TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD
• Live stream: Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra

In the United Kingdom, the Championship match Luton Town and Burnley will be available to watch and stream online live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Go UK, NOW and SKY GO Extra.

What time does Luton Town vs. Burnley kick off?

This Championship clash takes place at Kenilworth Road stadium in Luton City, England, and kicks off on Monday, August 12 at 8:00 p.m. local time (BST).  

Luton Town vs. Burnley lineups, team news

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards faces a significant creative void as the Hatters prepare to face Burnley in their Championship opener.

The departures of midfield maestro Ross Barkley and influential winger Ryan Giles to Aston Villa and Hull City respectively have left a noticeable gap in the team’s attacking arsenal. The duo’s contributions were pivotal to Luton’s playmaking and goal-scoring output last season.

Luton Town predicted XI (5-3-2, right to left):  Kaminski; Ogbene, Doughty, Walters, Mengi, Johnson; Clark, Chong, Baptiste; Morris, Adebayo

Injured: Lockyer (heart), Brown (knee), Bell (peroneus tendon), Campbell (back)

Suspended: N/A 

While, in Burnley, the Swiss international striker Zeki Amdouni has returned to the club following his participation in Euro 2024 and is expected to be assessed for potential involvement in the upcoming match against Luton Town.

The Clarets have exercised their option to make the loan deals of Mike Tresor and Maxime Esteve permanent, securing their services beyond this season. Additionally, winger Anass Zaroury has returned from his loan spell at Hull City to rejoin the first-team squad.

To further strengthen the squad, Burnley have acquired Benin striker Andreas Hountondji from Caen and goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky from Ipswich Town. The latter replaces Arijanet Muric, who has moved in the opposite direction.

Burnley predicted XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Hladky (GK) — Egan-Riley, Esteve, O’Shea, Pires — Cullen, Berge — Tresor, Brownhill, Odobert — Foster

Injured: Koleosho (knee), Beyer (hamstring)

Suspended: N/A

Luton Town vs. Burnley prediction

• Prediction: Luton Town 1-2 Burnley

The opening clash of the Championship season between Luton Town and Burnley promises to be a closely contested affair. Given the razor-thin margin of two points that separated these sides in the Premier League last season, a competitive match is to be expected.

Historical data suggests a high-scoring encounter, with three of the last four meetings producing goals for both teams. While Luton will be eager to capitalize on home advantage, Burnley’s squad continuity and their recent victory at Kenilworth Road give them a slight edge.