Few would believe that after eight games this season, Luton Town would be two points and two places above Brentford. The Hatters have started the season brightly and have taken 13 points from their opening eight games. Meanwhile, Brentford's mediocre start sees the Bees in 11th place.
The West London side have failed to find any consistency since their play-off final defeat to Fulham and the loss of attacking duo Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins has been a big blow to the club.
Team news
Hatters boss Nathan Jones decided to stick with the five-at-the-back formation in their match with Nottingham Forest, that was first introduced the weekend before against Sheffield Wednesday. However, Glen Rea and James Collins were brought into the side in the places of Joe Morrell and Danny Hylton, who were both unlucky to miss out.
After a poor second half display against Forest, Jones may opt to revert back to the team that dominated Sheffield Wednesday the game before. Full-backs James Bree and Dan Potts are also nearing a return. The pair have missed the last few matches, but their return will be welcomed.
As the fixtures continue to pile in, the chance of injuries is heightened, however it seems that Thomas Frank will name a similar line-up. Marcus Forss has impressed from the bench of late and it could warrant for a start against the Hatters.
There are also still doubts over the fitness of Pontus Jansson, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. He has been a brilliant addition since his arrival in July last year. He is a leader and a player that ensures that his club's standards never dip below par, and his presence has certainly been missed in Brentford's last two games.
Ones to watch
One player that has impressed since making his debut less than a week ago is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The on-loan Leicester City midfielder is a real talent and possesses a wonderful left foot that is always looking to unlock the opposition's defence. His early promise will excite Luton fans, who despite their good start, are lacking in the final third.
From a Brentford perspective, summer-signing Ivan Toney has got off to a wonderful start since signing from League One outfit Peterborough United. He is the league's second-top goalscorer, netting eight times in just eight games. In fact, he has personally scored more goals than Luton themselves (7). It is not just his goalscoring capabilities that the Hatters will need to be wary off, Toney also holds the ball up well and can bring his midfielders in.
Previous meetings
Luton had to withstand constant pressure from the Bees to hold on to a 2-1 victory at Kenilworth Road last season. The Town raced into a two-goal lead thanks to an own goal and a Martin Cranie volley. The visitors pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute through Watkins, but it was not enough to stop the Hatters picking up a rare win at that point of the season.
The reverse fixture last season, saw Brentford completely dismantle the Hatters. The Bees were 5-up at half-time and ended up winning 7-0. It was a disappointing day for Luton who at that point were a point above the relegation zone. Brentford's three points took them to seventh place, a point below the play-off spots.
Predicted lineups
Luton Town (5-3-2):
Sluga, Cranie, Lockyer, Pearson, Bradley, Norrington-Davies, Morrell, Dewsbury-Hall, Ruddock, Cornick, Collins.
Brentford (4-3-3):
Raya; Dalsgaard, Pinnock, Sorensen, Henry; Marcondes, Jensen, Dasilva; Forss, Toney, Canos.
Kick-off time and how to watch
The match kicks off at 3pm BST on Saturday 31 October and is available to purchase via a live video pass.
Lutons fans click here for the club's iFollow.
From a Brentford perspective, click here.