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After the energy-sapping last-gasp defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday evening, many of us would have hoped for a home fixture against a mid-table side to allow Luton to refresh and get back to normality.
Whilst no game in the Premier League is easy, they perhaps don’t get any harder than Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The star-studded Manchester side come to Kenilworth Road in some of the worst form of Guardiola’s tenure, however, that does not mean they won’t be incredibly tough opponents. The title chasers will be looking to get back to winning ways after defeat to Aston Villa last time out.
From goalkeeper onwards, the visiting opposition boasts some of the best and most expensive players in world football - a far cry from Rob Edwards’ side, built on a somewhat shoestring budget. But, carried forward by the Luton faithful, it might be a bit of a shock for the Manchester City players to experience an atmosphere like the one at Kenilworth Road.
Ederson will lineup in goal. Don’t be surprised to see him pinging passes across the pitch and picking out players without hesitation. In front of him, expect to see Kyle Walker competing for pace with Ogbene in what could be a 100-metre Olympic heat. He could be joined by any three of Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Ake, and Stones. The Englishman is likely to rotate into midfield where he has been so successful for City in recent times.
Exciting young fullback Rico Lewis could be deployed at left-back, or in midfield and will be in for a physical test against Luton, with the Kenny faithful baying for Sky Blue blood. The holding midfield role will be occupied by Rodri, the Spaniard is City’s most influential player and their last four defeats have come in his absence.
Ahead of the Rodri-Stones double pivot, Pep will be playing his usual roulette of attackers, with FPL players continually frustrated by the rotation of world-class players to pick from. Don’t be surprised to see World Cup winner Julian Alvarez deployed in an attacking midfield role alongside the non-stop Bernardo Silva, another of City’s key men.
Exciting young winger, Jeremy Doku missed the trip to Aston Villa and is unlikely to feature against Luton, with Manchester City not prepared to risk him. That doesn’t give Luton’s defence a break from the threat in wide areas. Expect to see Jack Grealish start after he missed the trip to his former club through suspension, whilst City academy graduate and England star Phil Foden is expected to be included on the other side. Whilst it is unlikely, Pep could throw a curveball and start young Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb. The Norwegian has had little opportunity, regardless, he boasts one of the best names in the Premier League right now.
Up front, there is only one man who could possibly start for City. Erling Haaland is the most clinical striker in world football and is a threat to any defence. He has an incredible goal record of 71 goals in 75 games for Manchester City and boasts a dominant physical presence with pace to burn. Luton’s defence, which is expected to see Tom Lockyer return, will be in for a battle against the giant Norwegian and it could be a tough day for them.
Barkley celeberating his goal against Arsenal with the Luton fans.
No matter how tough the opposition Luton face, the Luton crowd will carry them forward. More than just the twelfth man, the Hatters faithful will be kicking every ball, flying into every tackle, and running in support with their players. Rob Edwards doesn’t need to ask for a call to arms, Luton fans get behind the team!
Come On You Hatters!