Champions Manchester City host a Luton Town side keen to beat the drop and miraculously stay up in the Premier League against all odds at the Etihad on April 13. As of the time of this article, the Cityzens are second in the Premier League, with 56 points from 25 games. On the other hand, Luton Town have amassed 20 points from 24 games.
After a season of making history by winning the treble, Pep Guardiola opted to make some changes to his squad. Key players like Riyad Mahrez left for Al Ahli, Aymeric Laporte to Al Nassr, Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo to Barcelona, and Benjamin Mendy to Lorient. Around the same time, youngster Cole Palmer went to Chelsea in a big money move.
As usual, the tactician went into the market to get players such as defender Josko Gvardiol was signed from RB Leipzig, Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jeremy Doku from Stade Rennes, and Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. These signings have not particularly been superb, but City have been quite competitive this term and are in the run-in for the Premier League title.
On the pitch, the Citizens started the season by beating Burnley in the first game of the season thanks to goals from Haaland and Rodri. Afterwards, they won their next five games against Newcastle, Sheffield United, Fulham, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest. However, their run was halted by Wolverhampton Wanderers. As usual, the champions dipped in form, suffering losses to Arsenal and Aston Villa and drawing against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham in their last seven games just before December. Guardiola’s team then built gradually on either side of a Club World Cup win to close the gap at the top of the Premier League log. At the turn of the year and as of the time of writing, the Citizens only dropped points to Chelsea at home. In past seasons, Manchester City always finished the season strongly and nothing short of that is expected here.
On the contrary, Luton Town’s season, judging by their standards, has not been bad either, and should they stay up, it will be considered a miracle. However, after a slow start, where they failed to pick a point in any of their first four Premier League games, they picked themselves up and got a couple of wins under their belt, giving them a chance to fight for survival until the end of the season. The club’s management stuck with manager Rob Edwards from the start of the season and it looks like a decision that could pay off at the end of the season.
Notable results for the Hatters this season include the win over Everton at Goodison Park to clinch their first win of the Premier League campaign before the win over Crystal Palace at home in their first win at home. Around that same time, they also drew with Liverpool at home before going ahead to beat Sheffield United and Newcastle United significantly to improve their fortunes on the Premier League log. Luton also beat Brighton 4-0 before playing out an entertaining 4-4 draw with Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
However, they travel to face Manchester City at Etihad, a place several teams have fallen this season, with the huge task of leaving the place without receiving a whitewash. On City’s part, confidence is currently high and they could go all out and win big in this particular fixture.
Match tickets
The epic match at Etihad Stadium in Manchester kicks off on Saturday 13th April 2024, at 3 PM UK time.
The magnificent 53,400-capacity stadium is the place to be for this clash between the champions and the survival-seeking side.
Getting tickets for the Manchester City v Luton Town tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
Manchester City do not have any major injury concerns since Kevin de Bruyne returned to the side after his long layoff. Goalkeeper Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Erling Haaland are some of those who have been in the physio’s room in recent times but all should be back for this clash with the Hatters. Rodrigo continues to make an impact in his defensive role and remains an important player for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Rodrigo, Julian Alvarez, De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden.
Luton Town also have their injury issues that they are battling with the likes of Marvellous Nakamba out until April, Skipper Thomas Lockyer who had heart-related issues back late last year, and Mads Andersen who could be available before this clash. Former Chelsea man Ross Barkley will look to orchestrate things from the midfield alongside Arsenal loanee Albert Lokonga, while Elijah Adebayo will be tasked with the goalscoring.
Luton Town XI: Thomas Kaminski; Issa Kabore, Reece Burke, Tom Lockyer, Amari’i Bell, Ryan Giles; Chong, Albert Lokonga, Ross Barkley; Elijah Adebayo, Carlton Morris.
Prediction
This season, Manchester City started the season slowly, but they have recovered greatly. With the return of De Bruyne, the team could be functioning at its fullest once again. Their home advantage will also come into play in the game.
Luton Town are just hanging around and their survival in the Premier League depends on games like this, especially with the end of the season on the horizon. Meanwhile, if Manchester City are in their element, Luton Town would be lucky not to concede at least three goals.
Manchester City 3-0 Luton Town