Prediction: Luton Town vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention back to FA Cup duties on Tuesday night, Manchester City will travel to Kenilworth Road when they meet Luton.

Luton Town

Starting with the hosts, while Luton might have continued to receive a string of plaudits since making their famous Premier League return this season, the Hatters are facing a real uphill battle in their bid to keep hold of their top-flight status. Last seen suffering a collapse away at Anfield as they eventually fell to a 4-1 drumming against title rivals Liverpool, Rob Edwards’ side have lost all of their previous three Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 9-3. With their recent issues underlined by what could prove to be a season-defining 3-1 loss at the hands of Sheffield United on February 10th, Luton have claimed just a single win from any of their previous seven top-flight matchups. Although Edwards’ men might have extended on their FA Cup adventure last month as they snatched a last-gasp 2-1 victory away at Everton, the former Watford boss couldn’t have wished for a tougher challenge here.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Luton will once again be without the likes of Jacob Brown, Mads Juel Andersen, Daiki Hashioka and ex-Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba. While Tom Lockyer might remain hopeful that he can return from a second cardiac arrest, the Hatters’ skipper will play no part on Tuesday night.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench away at Liverpool last week, former England international Andros Townsend could be handed a full recall here. Forming what has been an eye-catching partnership at the heart of Edwards’ midfield, Ross Barkley will once again be joined by Arsenal loanee Albert Lokonga.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have a real battle on their hands in their bid to make even more Premier League history this season, Pep Guardiola’s men are in the midst of a stellar purple patch. Last seen over the weekend picking up a 1-0 victory against Bournemouth, the former Barcelona boss finds his squad in the midst of a 17-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Opening their Champions League knockout stage adventure with a routine 3-1 romp away at Danish giants Copenhagen on February 13th, the Sky Blues have certainly found top gear at a crucial time. Likewise, winning 13 of their last 14 showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to December 16th – Guardiola’s men have also gained a reputation for their continued success away from the Etihad. In fact, including their FIFA Club World Cup success over the festive period, City have won all of their previous nine contests outside the blue half of Manchester.

Team News

Making a shock return to Guardiola’s matchday squad against Bournemouth over the weekend, England international Jack Grealish could feature here. Likewise, former RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is still dealing with a recent ankle issue and is not expected to travel to Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

With Manchester City expected to make a handful of changes in midweek, the likes of Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis and Sergio Gomez could be handed a recall in Berkshire. Attacking superstar Erling Haaland could be handed a rest here and will likely be replaced by Julian Alvarez in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City travelled to Kenilworth Road back on December 10th while in Premier League action, the Sky Blues picked up a 2-1 victory.
• Guardiola’s men have won 13 of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions.
• Luton have lost all of their previous three Premier League showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-3.
• Likewise, the Hatters have won just a pair of their previous eight appearances at Kenilworth Road.
• Manchester City have won all of their previous nine straight showdowns away from the Etihad.

Conclusion

While Manchester City might be expected to make a string of changes here, Guardiola’s superstar squad will be desperate to extend on their FA Cup adventure and avoid a potential banana skin. Gaining a reputation for their continued success on the road and winning all of their previous nine straight showdowns away from the Etihad, the Sky Blues are rightfully tipped as a standout contender here. Landing a 2-1 victory when they travelled to Kenilworth Road while in Premier League action back on December 10th, we are expecting a similar outcome on Tuesday night.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet