A home match against a mid-table team would have been ideal for many of us following Tuesday night’s exhausting, last-minute loss to Arsenal, as it would have given Luton a chance to regroup and return to normal.
Even though there are no easy games in the Premier League, Manchester City under Pep Guardiola may be the hardest. Though the star-studded Manchester team is playing some of its worst football under Guardiola, they still pose a formidable threat at Kenilworth Road. The championship contenders will be hoping to resume their winning ways following their most recent loss to Aston Villa.
The visiting team, which was constructed on a rather tight budget, has some of the greatest and most expensive goalkeepers in global football, which is a far cry from Rob Edwards’ team. However, as the Luton supporters have pointed out, the Manchester City players may be a little taken aback by the energy at Kenilworth Road.
Ederson is going to start in goal. It shouldn’t surprise you if he pings passes across the pitch and selects guys with ease. Anticipate to witness Kyle Walker and Ogbene engaging in a potential Olympic-style 100-meter race for speed in front of him. Any three of Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Ake, and Stones could join him. The Englishman will probably switch to midfield, where he has been so productive for City lately.
Rico Lewis, an exciting young fullback who might play in midfield or at left defence, will face Luton head-on as the Kenny supporters will be yelling for Sky Blue blood. Rodri, the Spaniard who is City’s most important player and has been missing for the last four games, will play in holding midfield.
Pep will be selecting his typical roster of attackers ahead of the Rodri-Stones double pivot. FPL players are constantly irritated by the availability of such a large pool of elite players. It should come as no surprise to see World Cup champion Julian Alvarez used in an offensive midfield role next to another important player for City, Bernardo Silva.
The exciting young winger Jeremy Doku is unlikely to play against Luton as Manchester City is unwilling to take a chance on him. He missed the trip to Aston Villa. This doesn’t shield Luton’s defenders from the danger in large areas. Anticipate Jack Grealish to start, as he was suspended and missed the trip to his old club; England standout and graduate of the City academy Phil Foden is projected to be on the opposite side. Even if it is improbable, Pep might start Oscar Bobb, a young Norwegian winger, as a surprise. Although the Norwegian hasn’t had many opportunities, he currently has one of the greatest names in the Premier League.
There’s only one individual who could start for City up front. The most proficient striker in international football, Erling Haaland poses a threat to any defence. With 71 goals in 75 appearances for Manchester City, he has an amazing scoring record. He also possesses a powerful physical presence and quickness. The massive Norwegian will be up against Luton’s defence, which is anticipated to see the return of Tom Lockyer. This may be a difficult day for them.
No matter how formidable the opposition, Luton will always be supported by its supporters. The Hatters supporters will be more than just the twelfth man—they’ll be flying into every tackle, kicking every ball, and racing with their players for encouragement. Luton supporters should rally behind their club without Rob Edwards having to issue a call to arms!
