Huddersfield vs. Luton Predictions: Three tips as we find out who makes it to Wembley

There was not much between Huddersfield and Luton on Friday with the game finishing 1-1. It is now the Terriers turn to host the Hatters on Monday for the second leg with a spot in the play-off final at Wembley up for grabs.

Despite the magnitude of the fixture, the first leg was quite an open affair with a combined xG of 2.64 being generated from 21 shots, which bodes well for the second leg as these fixtures are traditionally more action packed. 

In terms of team news, Ollie Turton limped off in the first half for the hosts in the first leg so Pipa should start at right wing back. Elsewhere, Levi Colwill could return to the starting XI, he missed out on Friday due to illness. 

Nathan Jones didn't risk leading marksman Elijah Adebayo in the first leg, he may be fit enough for the bench though on Monday. The Hatters have been blighted with injuries which has left them particularly light in central midfield, the latest casualty was Henri Lansbury who limped off late on Friday.

By comparison, recent history indicates that the second legs feature a lot more action then the first legs. Over the past six seasons, the return legs have averaged 2.4 goals, that is nearly a goal more per game then the first legs, and 6.10 cards, that is an increase of nearly two cards per game. 

Based on this statistic alone, I think Bet365's price of 11/10 for this clash to feature over 4.5 cards is worth a punt. This bet would have landed in ten of the 12 games over that six season period, a statistic that depicts the frantic nature of these niche occasions.  

There has been plenty of beef between these two sides in recent bouts as well. Their fixtures have met this line in every one of their league fixtures over the past two seasons as 21 cards have been brandished in total. 

It is worth pointing out that, in the first leg, referee Robert Jones seemed reluctant to get his cards out. Peter Bankes has the whistle for this one and he should be a lot more obliging. This campaign he has averaged 4.32 per game and dished out 18 in his last three Championship games. 

• Lee Nicholls to be carded
• Huddersfield Town to win
• Over zero cards

Given the importance of the game, if either side gets their noses in front, the players will do everything possible to waste time and win the game. This is why I think it is worth backing both keepers to be booked and to boost the odds you can combine this with their side to win the match and the game to feature over zero cards with Bet365. 

As his price indicates- 5/1 with Bet365- Lee Nicholls is no stranger to a booking. The Terriers shot stopper has picked up seven already this season, one of which coming against Monday’s opposition. To the annoyance of the crowd at Kenilworth Road, he was up to his usual antics after his side took the lead on Friday so expect more of the same in the second leg.

• Matt Ingram to be carded
• Luton Town to win
• Over zero cards

Matt Ingram is not quite as prolific as his opposite number when it comes to cards, he has accumulated the same amount as Nicholls has this season in his whole career. That being said, he will not be above a bit of gamesmanship if his side go ahead. 

Best of luck if you are backing any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly.