FPL promoted picks: Wing-backs' delivery vital for Luton

The Scout looks at the Fantasy Premier League prospects of the three promoted sides in defence and attack.

Luton Town defence

The delivery of Luton’s wing-backs can lift their prospects of attacking returns in Fantasy in 2023/24.

James Bree and Alfie Doughty were the top creators for the Championship play-off winners in 2022/23, producing 60 and 59 key passes respectively.

Their influence was all the more telling given that the duo featured in just 27 and 31 matches respectively out of the Hatters’ 46.

Luton's top creators 2022/23

Bree left for Southampton in a permanent transfer midway through the campaign, leaving manager Rob Edwards looking for a new right wing-back this summer, but Doughty has established himself as a key figure.

The left wing-back didn’t feature until Luton’s 15th match of the campaign. Yet he still scored twice and supplied five assists across his 31 appearances.

Doughty and Bree both ranked joint-top for creating chances from crosses with 40 apiece, more than double the 19 of their nearest rival, midfielder Jordan Clark.

That highlights the importance of both wing-backs in Edwards’ 3-5-2 formation, with their delivery from out wide a key feature.

Doughty, who also boasts a share of set-pieces, has a reasonable goal threat too. His 32 shots ranked joint-fourth for Luton last term, level with centre-back Tom Lockyer.

Lockyer is the major threat from set-pieces, delivering four goals and an assist, while his fellow centre-back Gabriel Osho found the net on three occasions.

In terms of frequency, though, Doughty was far superior to both, with his average of 76.2 minutes per shot being more than 37 minutes quicker than Lockyer's.

Luton’s top-scoring defenders 2022/23

Luton arrive in the Premier League with a strong defensive record.

Their 20 clean sheets last season ranked second only to the 21 of Championship winners Burnley, while their total of 39 goals conceded also placed second to the Clarets’ 35.

The Hatters’ defence were slightly more dependable on their travels, with 11 of their 20 shutouts arriving in away matches.

Luton's defensive record 2022/23

A cost of £4.5m in Fantasy looks likely for Luton’s backline regulars, which indicates they could offer value whenever they have a favourable run of matches.

Currently, Doughty’s all-round potential makes him the pick of the Hatters’ defence, while Fantasy managers should keep an eye on any move for a right wing-back. 

Also in this series

Part 1: Burnley full-backs boast attacking edge
Part 2: Burnley's Brownhill can be budget gem
Part 3: Sheff Utd defenders offer set-piece threat
Part 4: Sheff Utd's Ndiaye an all-round prospect
Part 6: Morris a huge influence for Luton