Two of the Premier League's newly promoted sides, Fulham and Luton Town are set to meet in a pivotal early season fixture. With both teams searching for their first points of the campaign, the match at Craven Cottage takes on added significance.

Fulham vs Luton Town

The match will take place on Saturday, 16th September, 2023, at Craven Cottage, in Fulham, West London, England.

Fulham Show Promise Despite Defeat to Manchester City

Fulham made the worst possible start, falling behind early to an opportunistic Julian Alvarez goal. But the promoted side showed tremendous character to equalize just two minutes later through a well-worked set-piece routine finished off by Tim Ream.

Buoyed by the quick response, Fulham began to find their passing rhythm in midfield, enjoying decent spells of possession. The central trio of Harrison Reed, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, and youngster Luke Harris linked play neatly, supported by full-backs Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson pushing high up the flanks.

Fulham's positive play was punctured just before halftime in a hugely controversial fashion. Nathan Ake's scruffy header squirmed past keeper Bernd Leno with City's Manuel Akanji seemingly interfering from an offside position.

Despite the sense of injustice, Fulham emerged energized after the break. Mitrovic had the ball in the net but was flagged offside. The busy Harris went close with a snap-shot as the visitors continued taking the game to City and asking questions of their defense.

But as the game drifted into the final quarter, City's individual brilliance came to the fore. Erling Haaland clinically netted twice to kill off Fulham's hopes. The Norwegian star completed his hat-trick deep in injury time to put gloss on a scoreline that flattered the reigning champions.

In truth, Marco Silva's side gave a very good account of themselves on their top-flight return against one of Europe's elite clubs. Their crisp passing moves momentarily overwhelmed City in the first half. Defensively, the makeshift back four of Tete, Ream, Adarabioyo, and Robinson largely shackled City's array of attacking talents.

Midfield duo Reed and Harris set the tone with their tireless industry and intelligent use of the ball. Argentine left-back Robinson was a constant threat bombing down the flank. 

On this evidence, Fulham have every chance of surviving in the Premier League this season if they can replicate this level of organized and brave performance. If the players can maintain their confidence after tangling with one of the world's best teams, Fulham have given themselves hope of defying the odds and retaining their top-flight status.

Luton Show Grit and Heart Despite Defeat

Luton Town's long-awaited Premier League return ended in defeat on Monday night as West Ham claimed a 2-1 victory at Kenilworth Road. But while the scoreline was ultimately disappointing for the hosts, Luton demonstrated admirable determination and spirit against their more established opponents.

In their first top-flight home game since 1992, the Hatters came up against a Hammers side fresh off a European campaign last season. Many predicted a one-sided affair. But from the first whistle, Luton rolled up their sleeves and battled gamely, giving West Ham some nervy moments early on.

Led by energetic midfielders Marvelous Nakamba and Tahith Chong, Luton pressed intensely in the opening exchanges. Striker Carlton Morris glanced a header just wide, while fellow forward Elijah Adebayo saw a long-range drive blocked. Veteran Ross Barkley, making his debut after joining on loan from Chelsea, dragged an early shot off target.

Gradually though, West Ham's superior quality began to show. New signings Lucas Paquetá and Gianluca Scamacca linked up neatly. Scamacca was denied by a smart stop from Luton keeper Ethan Horvath.

The Hammer's pressure told on 37 minutes when Paquetá delivered a perfect cross for Jarrod Bowen to steal in unmarked and head home. It was a sucker punch against the run of play but demonstrated West Ham's ruthlessness.

Despite the setback, Luton continued to scrap after the break. Morris glanced a header wide then substitute Alfie Doughty forced a save after a jinking run. When Adebayo intercepted a mix-up between West Ham's Nayef Aguerd and keeper Alphonse Areola, the hosts thought they had leveled but Adebayo strayed offside.

The Lettering crowd urged their team forward, keeping the noise levels high inside the cramped ground. Luton substitute Mads Andersen immediately pulled one back, but it was too little too late for the hosts.

While the 2-1 defeat leaves Luton without a point after three games, manager Rob Edwards will take heart from his side's spirited display on their big night. Facing sophisticated opposition, they stuck to their principles - pressing aggressively and getting the ball forward quickly to their front two.

The work rate and commitment could not be faulted. Chong covered endless ground in midfield before tiring. Morris ran himself into the ground up front. At the back, the center-back pairing of Reece Burke and Andersen defended bravely. When they return to Kenilworth Road in the coming months, the Hatters will need to replicate that kind of intensity.

The quality of Bowen's opener demonstrated the clinical edge Luton lacked in the final third at times. But against many teams outside the Premier League's elite, Luton's honest endeavor will earn rewards.

After a 30-year absence, the Hatters are back among the elite on merit. Performances like Mondays, full of perspiration if not inspiration, suggest they will be no pushovers this season. The town of Luton has waited a generation for Premier League football. On this evidence, their team will scrap for every point to maintain that top-flight status.

Predicted Lineups

Fulham: Bernd Leno, Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Issa Diop, Kenny Tete, João Palhinha, Tom Cairney, Willian, Andreas Pereira, Harry Wilson, Raúl Jiménez

Luton Town: Thomas Kaminski, Ryan Giles, Mads Andersen, Tom Lockyer, Mads Andersen, Issa Kaboré, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Marvelous Nakamba, Ross Barkley, Carlton Morris, Elijah Adebayo

Key Battles

Harrison Reed vs Marvelous Nakamba - The midfield engines will be critical to their sides' hopes of controlling the game.

Kenny Tete vs Dan Potts - The battle between right-back and left-back could dictate which team gets the upper hand down the flanks.