Luton vs Man City Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English Premier League
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THE FACTS
When is Luton vs Man City on and what time does it start? Luton vs Man City will take place on Sunday 10th December, 2023 – 14:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Luton vs Man City? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Luton vs Man City on in the UK? Television rights for the Premier League in the UK are shared between Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime so it is worth checking their schedules for Luton vs Man City
Where can I stream Luton vs Man City in the UK? If Luton vs Man City is televised, then it can be streamed on either Sky Go, discovery+ or Amazon Prime Video depending on who is broadcasting the match
THE LOWDOWN
LUTON
Luton have demonstrated commendable resilience on home soil, battling title contenders Arsenal and Liverpool to dig deep and salvage results at Kenilworth Road in recent encounters. The exhilarating 4-3 spectacle on Tuesday notably boosted Rob Edwards' squad's confidence, staging an impressive fightback by clawing back two goals before Ross Barkley propelled them into the lead with half an hour left to play.
However, the team's inability to secure a clean sheet throughout the season has amplified Luton's defensive vulnerabilities, positioning them among several clubs teetering on the brink of relegation as the season progresses. Despite this, their consistent ability to score - having failed to score in just four games this season - suggests they possess the capability to snatch a goal or two in crucial moments.
MAN CITY
The reigning champions have revealed vulnerabilities in their dominance, a rarity in the era of Guardiola's formidable reign in England. Wednesday's unexpected defeat at Villa Park underscored that this City squad can indeed be outplayed by opponents willing to take the game to them for the entirety of 90 minutes.
In an exceedingly uncommon turn of events, City mustered merely two attempts on goal during their outing at Villa Park, both courtesy of Erling Haaland within the initial 11 minutes of the match. Conversely, Villa launched an onslaught with 22 shots against City, marking the highest number of shots conceded by Guardiola's side in a Premier League fixture.
With a winless streak in the Premier League extending beyond a month, City's standings have slipped as they start the weekend fourth in the table, trailing league leaders Arsenal by a margin of six points. Historically, pundits have not worried when City faced a temporary slump in form, given their ability to maintain results later in the season.
However, recent draws against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Spurs have exposed vulnerabilities within City's approach, signalling to opponents a potential avenue for attack moving forward.
THE TEAM NEWS
LUTON
Issa Kabore is ineligible to play against his parent club. However, Rob Edwards' squad receives a significant boost with the return of Marvelous Nakamba, Tom Lockyer, and Sambi Lokonga, all of whom could be fit following their respective injuries.
Edwards further updated on the status of Mads Anderson and Reece Burke, noting their return to training on grass, signifying their gradual progress towards potential selection. However, Cauley Woodrow remains doubtful due to a lingering calf injury, though there are positive signs indicating he is edging closer to making a comeback.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Kaminski; Mengi, Lockyer, Osho; Doughty, Lokonga, Barkley, Bell; Townsend, Adebayo, Morris
UNAVAILABLE: Andersen (Injured), Potts (Injured), Burke (Injured), Kabore (Ineligible)
QUESTIONABLE: Woodrow (Injured)
MAN CITY
Jack Grealish and Rodri mark their return from suspension, bolstering the squad for the upcoming journey to Kenilworth Road. Guardiola has shared an update regarding Kevin De Bruyne, mentioning that while the Belgian playmaker has commenced running on the pitch, he is yet to fully engage in training sessions. The prospect of his involvement in the Club World Cup within the next three weeks seems unlikely at this stage, though it remains a plausible but uncertain possibility.
PREDICTED XI (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Rodri, Stones; Foden, Bernardo, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
UNAVAILABLE: De Bruyne (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Doku (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Despite earning significant respect for scoring three goals against Arsenal, Luton's achievement was partly due to Raya's error-filled performance that led to two of those strikes. Moreover, facing a Man City team nursing wounds can present a daunting challenge.
Typically, a well-rested Rodri signals success for Guardiola's side. Despite Luton's commendable efforts showcased at Kenilworth Road previously, it is anticipated that they may offer minimal resistance come Sunday, considering the formidable nature of the opponent.
BETTING TIP: MAN CITY TO WIN & OVER 2.5 GOALS
