Luton vs Man City tips and predictions: Back Hatters to stand firm against champion’s backlash
- George Dempsey
- 8 December 2023
Luton Town will surely face a vengeful Man City in the Premier League on Sunday, but we think they’ll rise to the challenge.
Little old Luton Town against the Champions of England and Europe, Manchester City, isn’t even a contest on paper. Brian Clough would have something to say about that.
Arsenal are in far better form than Pep Guardiola’s side and yet the Hatters scored three times and came within seconds of pinching a point.
City’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa was one of the most remarkable Premier League games you’ll ever see. The scoreline wasn’t that surprising, but the visitor's performance was.
In a first for Pep Guardiola, a reversal of the status quo saw his side cast into the role of helpless opposition, firing off two measly shots compared to Aston Villa’s 22.
The visitors did manage to narrowly win the possession battle but did little to nothing with the ball and struggled when put under pressure.
Erling Haaland forced a stunning double save out of Emi Martinez in the 11th minute and the visitors never saw the whites of the post after that.
Of course, Luton could find themselves on the receiving end of a battering from a very angry City team on Sunday, but they seem to be built of sterner stuff than that.
What the Champions designs, they’re likely to meet a team full of belief. Liverpool came unstuck here a few weeks ago and Tottenham came mighty close.
Rob Edward’s side has hosted seven Premier League visitors this season and the best anyone has managed is a win by the odd goal, three of which came in the final five minutes.
Team news
Dan Potts, Mads Andersen and Reece Burke have been ruled out for Luton.
The hosts are due a boost with Tom Lockyer, Sambi Lokonga, Cauley Woodrow and Marvellous Nakamba all nearing a return.
Kevin De Bruyne is expected to miss another month while Jeremy Doku will be assessed.
Rodri and Jack Grealish will return to the squad after serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation.
Key stats
- This fixture was last played in 1999 in Division Two (League One)
- Luton last beat Man City in 1988
- Luton haven’t kept a clean sheet in 19 matches
- Both teams have scored in six of seven Luton home games
- Man City have kept one clean sheet in nine Premier League games
- Man City have conceded 11 goals in five games in all competitions
