Luton take on Wimbledon in the opening game of the 2025-26 League One season. The game will take place at 8pm on Friday 1st August, and viewers can catch the action live on Sky Sports. Find our match preview and betting tips from Anthony Eadson below.
Luton to Win to Nil (17/10 with William Hill)
These two teams were two divisions apart last term, with Luton suffering relegation from the Championship, while Wimbledon gained promotion from League Two via the playoffs. The Hatters have kept held key players such as Elijah Adebayo and Jordan Clark and are the clear favourites to be crowned league winners this season at just 7/2.
Despite their relegation, Luton had a strong home record and they are priced at just 4/9 to start the new campaign with a win. The stronger angle here looks to be backing the hosts to win to nil at 17/10. Luton have looked strong in pre-season and held Spurs to a goalless draw. They take on a Wimbledon side that had the best defence in the fourth tier last season, but Luton can come out on top in what could be a low-scoring curtain raiser.
Nahki Wells First Goalscorer (4/1 with bet365)
Nahki Wells was one of the notable arrivals at Kenilworth Road this summer. After spending the majority of his career in the Championship, he looks primed to score plenty of goals in League One, despite now being the ripe old age of 35.
Wells managed ten goals in the second tier last term for Bristol City with an average of 2.41 shots per 90 minutes. He’s just 20/1 to be crowned top-scorer in the division this season and I fancy him to open the scoring against the Dons on Friday.
How both teams go into Luton vs AFC Wimbledon
Luton struggled to re-adapt to the Championship and, defying expectations, endured the heartbreak of consecutive relegations in what proved to be a nightmare season.
In a fiercely contested survival scrap, it was goal difference that sealed their fate. Despite finishing on equal points with Hull City, the Hatters slipped below the line agonisingly.
Matt Bloomfield arrived during the closing stages of the campaign, tasked with steadying the ship. Though unable to prevent the drop, the club has kept faith in the former Wycombe boss, who officially took charge in January. This term brings new optimism and the Hatters are well fancied to bounce back at the first time of asking.
After finishing fifth in League Two, Wimbledon upset the odds in May by overcoming Notts County and Walsall to clinch an unexpected promotion via the playoffs.
However, their preseason form has raised a few red flags. The Dons head into the new campaign off the back of three straight defeats against Millwall, Sutton United, and, most concerningly, Southend. That final loss, coming against a non-league side just days before the season kicks off, will be particularly troubling for the coaching staff and fans alike.
Luton team news
Matt Bloomfield will have some new faces at his disposal, with experienced additions like Nahki Wells and George Saville ready to feature.
However, the squad isn’t at full strength. Elijah Adebayo and Jacob Brown remain sidelined, while Lamine Fanne has recovered from a concussion and is available for selection.
In defence, Teden Mengi, Joe Johnson, and Hakeem Odoffin are all unavailable, though there’s a boost with Mark McGuinness expected to be fit enough for a spot on the bench.
AFC Wimbledon team news
Johnnie Jackson could be boosted by the return of Joe Lewis and Marcus Browne, both of whom are hoping to shake off minor knocks in time to feature.
New goalkeeper Nathan Bishop is set to make his debut, stepping into the spotlight after Owen Goodman’s standout season in 2024/25.
There’s more good news with Sam Hutchinson and Omar Bugiel back in the fold, while recent additions Antoine Hackford and Charlton loanee Nathan Asiimwe may also be in contention for their first appearances.
Luton vs AFC Wimbledon head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between the pair since 2019. That game finished 2-2 at Kenilworth Road, and Jonnie Jackson would be delighted if his side could take a point from this upcoming fixture.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 23/04/19 | Luton 2-2 AFC Wimbledon | League One |
| 27/10/18 | AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Luton | League One |
| 31/10/17 | AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Luton | Football League Trophy |
| 13/02/16 | AFC Wimbledon 4-1 Luton | League Two |
| 26/09/15 | Luton 2-0 AFC Wimbledon | League Two |