Luton Town endured a dramatic 4-3 loss to league leaders Arsenal, succumbing to a sensational comeback after initially leading 3-2. Elijah Adebayo and Ross Barkley capitalized on David Raya's errors, overturning Gabriel Osho's first-half strike and responding to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
However, a late equalizer from Kai Havertz and a heartbreaking header from Declan Rice in injury time left Luton stunned. Despite the defeat, manager Rob Edwards remained relatively composed, acknowledging his team's commendable effort against the league leaders for 97 minutes.
Luton finds themselves in 18th place after Everton's surprising win over Newcastle United on Thursday, with 10 defeats in 15 games this season and no clean sheets in the top flight. However, their recent scoring record, finding the net in six of their last seven games, including the last three, provides a glimmer of hope for improvement.
On the other hand, Manchester City experienced a lackluster performance against Aston Villa, conceding a 1-0 defeat. Leon Bailey's deflected shot off Ruben Dias's toe resulted in City's misfortune, with their attacking prowess nullified throughout the match. Despite an impressive attacking record of 36 goals, City's winless streak extended to four matches in the Premier League, placing them in fourth position.
As they travel to Luton, Guardiola's team faces a six-point deficit to league leaders Arsenal and a challenging away record, having won only one of their last five Premier League away games and losing three. The visitors must overcome a unique challenge, as Luton has won their last seven home league games against reigning top-flight champions but has struggled against City in their last nine league encounters.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Luton Town received a timely boost on the defensive front ahead of their clash with Arsenal. Alfie Doughty, who had been sidelined due to a hip concern in the previous match against Brentford, has shaken off the issue and is set to feature. Additionally, Teden Mengi has overcome a knee problem and earned his place in the starting lineup.Albert Sambi Lokonga, ineligible to play against his parent club midweek, is likely to return to the squad as he nears the final stages of recovery from a thigh concern. Tom Lockyer (back) and Marvelous Nakamba (knee) are currently listed as touch-and-go.
However, Issa Kabore, on loan from Manchester City, is ineligible for this encounter. Injuries sideline Mads Andersen (hamstring), Reece Burke (thigh), Cauley Woodrow (calf), and Dan Potts (ankle). The Hatters are expected to stick with a similar lineup that impressed against Arsenal.
For Manchester City, the return of Rodri and Jack Grealish from suspension is a welcomed development, especially considering Rodri's absence was notable in the recent match against Aston Villa. Unfortunately, Kevin De Bruyne will remain sidelined due to a long-term hamstring injury.
Jeremy Doku's availability is uncertain as he missed the game against Villa due to a knock sustained in the previous encounter with Tottenham. However, the Belgian winger is not believed to be dealing with a serious issue. With Rodri's return, Rico Lewis may move back to the substitutes' bench, and Pep Guardiola might consider bringing Nathan Ake back into the defensive lineup as he seeks solutions to his team's recent challenges.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Luton Town possible starting lineup:Kaminski; Bell, Osho, Mengi; Ogbene, Barkley, Mpanzu, Doughty; Townsend, Adebayo, Morris
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Alvarez, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Luton Town 1-5 Manchester City
When Rodri is well-rested, it usually bodes well for success for Pep Guardiola's team. Despite Luton's commendable efforts at Kenilworth Road so far, it's expected that they will offer little resistance on Sunday.
