The State of Play
Luton Town most recently played against Liverpool in the Premier League last week, taking a 1-0 lead against The Reds at Anfield before being hammered by four goals to one. The Hatters have been really tough to play against at Kenilworth Road, especially against the so-called ‘big six’, but their primary focus will be on avoiding relegation from the top-flight so motivation may not be overwhelmingly high for this one.
Manchester City closed the gap to one point between themselves and Liverpool at the top-of-the-table in the Premier League at the weekend with a 1-0 defeat of AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium thanks to a winning goal from Phil Foden. City have been unconvincing throughout the last few months, despite their major up turn in form and effectiveness. They haven’t won by more than two goals since the first weekend of November in the league.
Read our other football news stories here:
Edwards: Everton news does not change Luton task
Gomez: Players want success for Klopp
Cristiano Ronaldo ‘being investigated’ after footage emerges from Al Nassr Saudi Pro League match
Team News
It is expected that Alfie Doughty ‘will be ok’ for this one but the wing-back is a doubt, whilst Daiki Hashioka is also a doubt. Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to be available but Elijah Adebayo and Marvelous Nakamba will be among those sidelined by injury for the hosts.
Jack Grealish returned to the squad at the weekend but was an unused substitute as City edged past Bournemouth. The only injury concern for Guardiola’s side is believed to be Croatian international defender, Josko Gvardiol.
Expected Line-ups
Luton: Krul; Burke, Osho, Bell; Kabore, Mpanzu, Lokonga, Doughty; Barkley; Morris, Ogbene
Man City: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Stones; Silva, De Bruyne, Nunes, Grealish; Alvarez
What they Said
In the aftermath of their 4-1 defeat at Anfield last Wednesday, Rob Edwards was full of praise for Liverpool, suggesting that his side had made them ‘angry’ by taking a lead into the half-time interval.
After Manchester City defeated Bournemouth on Saturday, Pep Guardiola heaped the praise on his team. “I adore my players – they are supermen.”
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at Kenilworth Road at 20:00 on Tuesday February 27th and will be shown live on ITV in the UK. It will also be able to be streamed via the ITVX app.
Prediction
As mentioned, Luton Town have put in some creditable displays at home against the ‘big six’. They had the lead against the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as Liverpool with whom they eventually shared a point, whilst pushing Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all the way. However, as Manchester City appear set to functionally grind their way as close as they possibly can to a historic ‘double treble’ then a low-scoring away win would appear the best bet for this one.