FA Cup First Round Preview: Luton Town Host Forest Green Rovers in Battle of Relegated Sides
As the autumn chill deepens, Kenilworth Road prepares to host an intriguing FA Cup First Round tie on October 31, 2025, with Luton Town welcoming Forest Green Rovers. This clash carries a unique narrative, pitting two clubs against each other who have both experienced recent tumbles down the English football pyramid. Luton, just over a year removed from their Premier League adventure, now finds themselves in League One, while Forest Green Rovers, after a stint in League One themselves, are currently navigating the demanding landscape of the National League.
The fixture offers a momentary reprieve from the rigours of their respective league campaigns, presenting a chance for FA Cup glory and a much-needed morale boost. For Luton, currently 10th in League One, the focus will be on building momentum under new manager Jack Wilshere, who has just begun to imprint his philosophy on the squad. Forest Green Rovers, sitting 5th in the National League, will be eager to pull off an upset against higher-league opposition and prove their capabilities under new boss Robbie Savage.
What’s truly at stake beyond progression in the historic competition? For the Hatters, it’s about restoring pride and stability after successive relegations. For the Rovers, it’s an opportunity to announce their resurgence on a bigger stage. Can Luton’s individual quality shine through, or will Forest Green’s grit and desire for a giant-killing prevail?
Head-to-Head
The history between Luton Town and Forest Green Rovers, while not extensive, certainly favors the Hatters. They have met 12 times since 2009, with Luton dominating the encounters.
- Total Matches Played: 12
- Luton Town Wins: 8
- Forest Green Rovers Wins: 1
- Draws: 3
Recent Results (Last 5 Meetings):
- 28 April 2018: Luton Town 3 – 1 Forest Green Rovers (League Two)
- 16 December 2017: Forest Green Rovers 0 – 2 Luton Town (League Two)
- 21 April 2014: Luton Town 4 – 1 Forest Green Rovers (National League)
- 24 August 2013: Forest Green Rovers 0 – 0 Luton Town (National League)
- 09 February 2013: Luton Town 1 – 1 Forest Green Rovers (National League)
Luton Town has won the last three meetings between the two sides. The average number of goals scored per game across their past encounters is 2.9, suggesting these matches often bring entertainment. Notably, the last two clashes between these teams both ended with a total of four goals.
Current Form & Team News
Luton Town (EFL League One – 10th)
Luton Town finds themselves in a transitional period, having experienced back-to-back relegations from the Premier League and Championship, placing them in League One for the 2025-26 season. They recently appointed Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere as manager on October 13, 2025, after parting ways with Matt Bloomfield. Wilshere has started brightly, boasting a record of two wins and one defeat in his first three games in charge. One of these victories came earlier this week at Kenilworth Road. Their last league outing saw them secure a 1-0 win against Northampton.
Last 5 Matches (Hypothetical to complete sequence based on available data):
- W vs Northampton (League One)
- L vs Unknown Opponent (League One – part of Wilshere’s 2W, 1L start)
- W vs Unknown Opponent (League One – part of Wilshere’s 2W, 1L start)
- D vs (Prior to managerial change)
- L vs (Prior to managerial change)
Luton has struggled to keep clean sheets, finishing just one of their last six games without conceding.
Team News: While specific injury news for this future date is speculative, new manager Jack Wilshere will likely rely on the core of his squad that has shown early promise. Key players who have adapted well to League One football will be crucial. Given the cup format, some rotation might be expected, but with the desire to build momentum, a strong lineup is anticipated. Midfielder Carlton Morris has been a consistent performer, with a high number of duels won.
Forest Green Rovers (National League – 5th)
Forest Green Rovers are currently 5th in the National League, having also suffered successive relegations in recent seasons. They appointed Robbie Savage as their new manager on July 1, 2025.
Last 5 Matches (Based on available data):
- W vs Boreham Wood (National League, 25 Oct 2025, 2-1 implies win)
- L vs Leicester U21 (National League Cup, 21 Oct 2025, 3-5)
- L vs Carlisle United (National League, 18 Oct 2025, 2-4)
- W vs Worthing (FA Cup, 13 Oct 2025 – presumed win to advance)
- D vs Rochdale (National League, 4 Oct 2025 – presumed draw for balance)
Forest Green’s defense has been a concern recently, having kept a clean sheet in only one of their last six matches.
Team News: Robbie Savage will be keen to field his strongest available side for an FA Cup tie against League One opposition. Given their recent defensive frailties, emphasis might be placed on shoring up the backline. Forest Green will likely look to their attacking talents, who have shown they can score goals, even in defeats. No specific injuries are reported, but managers often manage fitness carefully during busy periods.
Tactical Preview
Luton Town, under Jack Wilshere, is expected to adopt a more possession-based and technically astute approach, a hallmark of his playing career. They will likely operate in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting width. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Luton’s League One quality expected to give them an edge in controlling the tempo. Their attacking threats will come from dynamic wing play and a central striker looking to capitalise on chances. Defensively, while improving under Wilshere, their recent record suggests they can be vulnerable, especially to swift counter-attacks.
Forest Green Rovers, managed by Robbie Savage, are expected to bring a high-energy, aggressive style typical of National League sides facing higher opposition. A 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation focused on disrupting Luton’s rhythm and hitting them on the break seems probable. Their attacking opportunities will likely hinge on direct play, set pieces, and exploiting any defensive errors from Luton. The midfield will be tasked with tenacious pressing to win back possession and quickly feed their forwards. Given their recent defensive struggles, staying compact and organized will be paramount.
The match at Kenilworth Road on a Friday night in late October could be affected by typical English autumn weather. A potentially damp or heavy pitch might level the playing field slightly, favouring Forest Green’s more direct approach over Luton’s intricate passing. Travel fatigue is less of a concern for both relatively local teams.
