The state of play
There has long been a sense that Luton Town might just take the scalp of a Premier League giant at Kenilworth Road this season.
Thus far, Rob Edwards’ men have led Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal at the throwback ground but have only collected one point from those games.
The Hatters also pushed Tottenham and Chelsea close in one-goal defeats on home soil, almost fighting back from 3-0 down for a draw against the Blues.
Given Manchester United’s patchy performances, Luton might fancy their chances of finally going the distance against one of the big boys on Sunday. After last week’s defeat to Sheffield United, they also need a response in the battle for survival.
Read our other sports news stories here:
India v England: Duckett hits brilliant ton after Ashwin claims landmark wicket
Pep Guardiola: It was obvious Cole Palmer would succeed at Chelsea
Verstappen foresees ‘awkward’ final year at Mercedes for Hamilton
United, meanwhile, have made an unbeaten start to 2024, with last week’s 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa making it four successive victories across all competitions.
While the Red Devils, buoyed by the form of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, are now within six points of the Premier League’s top four, they have not been entirely convincing in recent wins, giving up plenty of clear chances at Villa Park last Sunday.
A comfortable victory at Kenilworth Road, though, might just raise hopes of a late bid for Champions League qualification.
United are in town next up 👊 PIC.TWITTER.COM/DARFXAYIV4
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Team news
Luton remain without club captain Tom Lockyer after he suffered a cardiac arrest back in December, while Mads Andersen and Marvelous Nakamba are out injured.
For United, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka sustained a knock in training and will join Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount on the sidelines.
What they said
Edwards on Luton’s back-to-back games against United and Liverpool:
“Our long-term aim, as stupid as this may sound, is to try and be mixing it with those big teams. I think we’ve done well in certain areas but we know we’ve got to keep improving and working hard as well to keep the back door shut.
“If we play well then hopefully we can knock them off their rhythm and not allow them to play the game they want. If they are allowed to play the game they want, they will be too good for us. We’ve got to make sure we are at it and we compete.”
Erik ten Hag on the challenge of going to Kenilworth Road:
“Every ambience is different and we have to deal with the circumstances but it’s about playing football, 11 versus 11, with a referee.
“It doesn’t matter who you face, the best, the worst, or in-between, I respect every opponent. We are not in a position to underestimate any opponent. We have to play our best because we have seen their performances across the season – they are very good, they are really improving.
“I have a lot of respect for this team, we have to play our best football.”
👁️ All eyes on Sunday.
Putting in the prep! 👊#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) FEBRUARY 16, 2024
When and how to watch
Sunday’s match at Kenilworth Road kicks off at 16:30 and will be shown by Sky Sports in the UK. It will also be able to be streamed live via the Sky Go app.
Prediction
Luton have produced plenty of spirited displays against the Premier League’s elite this term, and they will certainly push United close here.
United still tend to struggle when asked to break down a low block, and Luton will fancy their chances of remaining compact and striking on the break or from set-piece situations. The visitors will hope their superior quality shines through, but a score draw can’t be ruled out.
Caption this 😅 PIC.TWITTER.COM/3PTUFMZED6
— Premier League (@premierleague) FEBRUARY 14, 2024
